Understanding how oral high-risk HPV progresses in people with HIV to prevent oropharyngeal cancer
Official title: Characterize longitudinal events of oral high-risk human papillomavirus to alter risk for oropharyngeal cancer (CLEAR)
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11380555 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows HIV patients at high risk for HPV-related throat cancer to understand how oral HPV infections start and change over time, with the goal of catching precancer early.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $562,100 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE033862-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11380555 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are unvaccinated individuals at high risk for oHR-HPV infection, including those with HIV, who can provide regular oral rinse and blood samples.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not have a high risk for oral HPV or who cannot participate in regular follow-up may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will enroll up to 1,200 unvaccinated individuals at high risk for HPV-related throat cancer and follow a subset of 500 participants every 6 months for up to 18 months. They will collect oral rinse samples and blood to track new and ongoing oral high-risk HPV infections, along with immune and HIV-related health measures. The project aims to identify markers that signal when HPV infection may progress toward cancer so that preventive actions can be taken earlier. Conducted at the University of Maryland Baltimore, the study will help clarify how HIV, ART, and the oral microbiome influence HPV persistence and cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and prevention strategies for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown links between persistent HPV infection and cancer risk in various populations, supporting the potential relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nowak, Rebecca G. — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Nowak, Rebecca G.
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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.