Understanding how bacterial infections affect HPV-related cancers

A co-infection model for papillomavirus associated infections and cancers

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10799680

This study is looking at how bacterial vaginosis (BV) might affect the way HPV sticks around in the body and could lead to cervical cancer, with the goal of finding better ways to diagnose and treat HPV-related issues for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10799680 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the relationship between bacterial vaginosis (BV) and persistent HPV infections, which can lead to cervical cancer. The team aims to develop a co-infection model to explore how BV-associated bacteria influence HPV persistence and the progression to malignancy. By studying these interactions, the research seeks to uncover molecular processes that could inform better diagnostic and treatment strategies for HPV-related cancers. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved management of cervical cancer risks.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include women with persistent HPV infections and those diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have HPV infections or bacterial vaginosis may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for cervical cancer linked to HPV infections.

How similar studies have performed: While the relationship between bacterial infections and HPV has been suggested, this specific co-infection model is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, 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 Cancersneoplasm/cancer
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.