Anal cancer screening for people with HIV using genomic methods
Official title: Optimization of anal cancer screening for people with HIV using genomic methods
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11391198 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered screening approach using a genomic test to detect anal precancers in people with HIV, aiming to catch disease earlier and reduce unnecessary procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,165 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA285939-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11391198 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with HIV who are at high risk for anal cancer are eligible to participate.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not at risk for anal cancer or unable to participate in follow-up may not benefit from this screening approach.
What this research studies
If you are living with HIV, this project tests a new genomic screening method on a simple swab sample to identify precancerous anal lesions more accurately and at lower cost than current tests. Participants will be followed to see how well the genomic test predicts high-risk precancers and whether it can forecast which lesions might come back after treatment. The study will enroll about 250 people with HIV at risk for anal cancer and collect longitudinal data to compare the genomic test with standard screening. This research could lead to a more precise, patient-friendly screening option in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the genomic test could improve early detection of high-risk anal precancers and reduce unnecessary invasive follow-up.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests genomic panels can identify precancerous lesions, but this approach needs prospective validation in people with HIV.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silvera, Richard — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Silvera, Richard
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV+ MSM through screening and treatment of HSIL
This project tests a streamlined plan to prevent anal cancer in people living with HIV by screening for HSIL and treating it at clinics serving MSM.
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Preventing anal cancer in people living with HIV
A topical form of HIV protease inhibitors is being tried to clear precancerous anal changes in people living with HIV.
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Screening strategies to find anal cancer precursors in high-risk people
Researchers will study markers from DNA methylation and immune signals to better identify people at risk for anal cancer before it develops.
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Integrated approach to preventing anal cancer in HIV-positive MSM through HSIL screening and treatment
This project tests a proven HSIL screening-and-treatment approach to prevent anal cancer in men living with HIV, using Ghana/Nigeria-based sites to learn how to implement it broadly.
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Better screening for anal cancer in people at higher risk
This project looks for biological and immune signals that could spot early precancerous changes in people at high risk for anal cancer.
-
Screen-and-treat program to prevent anal cancer in people with HIV
This project offers regular anal screening and treatment to men who have sex with men living with HIV to lower their risk of anal cancer.
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.