Targeting the latent virus in certain aggressive lymphomas

Targeting Latency Switch in EBV+ Lymphomas

NIH-funded research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10883621

This study is looking at a type of aggressive lymphoma linked to the Epstein-Barr virus and is testing a drug called decitabine to help make these tumors easier for the immune system to fight, with the hope of improving treatment for patients facing this tough cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-10883621 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on aggressive lymphomas associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which can evade the immune system by remaining in a latent state. The team aims to reprogram these tumors from a less immunogenic state to a more immunogenic one, making them more susceptible to immune attack. They will use a drug called decitabine, which has shown promise in laboratory settings to enhance the immune response against these cancers. By converting latency I tumors to a more aggressive form, the goal is to improve treatment outcomes for patients with these challenging malignancies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with EBV-associated lymphomas, particularly those with Burkitt lymphoma or HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Not a fit: Patients with lymphomas not associated with EBV or those who do not have aggressive forms of lymphoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with EBV-associated lymphomas, potentially improving survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that similar approaches using epigenetic reprogramming have been successful in enhancing immune responses in other cancer types.

Where this research is happening

New York, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome VirusAcquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.