Understanding Oropharyngeal Cancer in People with HIV
Onco-immunologic factors contributing to OPSCC among people living with HIV
This research explores why people living with HIV might be more likely to develop a type of throat cancer linked to HPV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11195719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that a type of throat cancer called oropharyngeal cancer, often caused by HPV, is becoming more common, especially in people living with HIV. Even with effective HIV treatment, these individuals still face higher rates of this cancer, and we don't fully understand why. This project aims to discover how HIV might encourage the growth of cancer-causing HPV proteins and weaken the body's immune cells, making it harder to fight off the cancer. By understanding these connections, we hope to find better ways to prevent or treat this cancer in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals living with HIV, particularly those concerned about or affected by HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
Not a fit: Patients without HIV or those with cancer types unrelated to HPV or HIV may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating oropharyngeal cancer in people living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms are not fully understood, existing literature and preliminary data support the connection between HIV, HPV, and immune dysfunction in cancer development.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bansal, Anju — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Bansal, Anju
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.