CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
Official title: Implementing and Evaluating the Cancer Tracking System (CATSystem): A systems level intervention to improve Cervical Cancer screening, treatment referral and follow up in Kenya
Funded at University of Kansas Medical Center · NIH-11389552 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A digital, guideline-based system helps Kenyan women living with HIV get screened, referred for treatment, and kept in care for cervical cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kansas Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kansas City, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $271,496 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278617-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389552 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in Kenya who are eligible for cervical cancer screening, particularly those living with HIV, and healthcare providers involved in screening and treatment pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not engaged in cervical cancer screening or follow-up programs may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project builds and tests CATSystem, a web-based tool that uses algorithms to guide providers and patients through cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up in a resource-limited Kenyan setting. It follows patients from screening through treatment to reduce loss to follow-up and improve adherence to guidelines. The study expands on a pilot by rigorously evaluating real-world effectiveness and care pathways in clinics serving women at higher risk. If successful, CATSystem could be scaled to improve cervical cancer outcomes where resources are constrained.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CATSystem could increase screening and treatment adherence, reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among women at high risk, especially those living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Prior eHealth interventions have improved clinical outcomes and patient retention in low-resource settings, supporting the potential for CATSystem to succeed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kansas Medical Center
Kansas City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kessler, Sarah Finocchario — University of Kansas Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Kessler, Sarah Finocchario
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
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HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
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CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
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CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
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.