Understanding how bacterial infections affect HPV-related cancers
Official title: A co-infection model for papillomavirus associated infections and cancers
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10799680 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $184,204 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA274265-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10799680 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include women with persistent HPV infections and those diagnosed with bacterial vaginosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HPV infections or bacterial vaginosis may not receive any benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Jiafen — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hu, Jiafen
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.