Understanding Kaposi sarcoma and immune recovery in people with HIV
Project 2
This project looks at how immune changes after HIV treatment affect Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV so researchers can learn why some tumors shrink on antiretroviral therapy while others do not.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11415861 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be part of work focused on Kaposi sarcoma (KS) that happens with HIV, especially common in sub-Saharan Africa. The team uses the ACTG TIS staging (tumor, immune status, systemic illness) and follows people over time on antiretroviral therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy, to see how their KS changes. Researchers measure immune responses—especially T cell function—and may collect clinical data and samples to link immune recovery to tumor outcomes. The goal is to understand why some people improve with HIV treatment alone and others need additional therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults living with HIV who have newly diagnosed or active Kaposi sarcoma, particularly those treated in participating clinics or regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without Kaposi sarcoma, those with non–HIV-related KS, or those not willing/able to attend participating clinics would not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help doctors predict who will respond to HIV treatment alone versus who needs added chemotherapy, leading to more targeted care.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work shows that restoring T-cell immunity with antiretroviral therapy can cause KS regression in many patients, but responses vary and the immune mechanisms remain incompletely understood.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: West, John T. — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: West, John T.
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 below.