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-11535336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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) | $239,951 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA278617-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Women in Kenya who are eligible for cervical cancer screening, especially those living with HIV, and who may be referred for treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Women without access to the participating health facilities or those without cervical cancer risk factors may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a web-based CATSystem that uses algorithms to prompt guideline-concordant screening and ensure patients don’t fall through cracks between screening and treatment. It builds on a prior pilot in a Kenyan hospital and aims to rigorously evaluate whether the system increases onsite treatment and referrals for women with positive screens. The study focuses on low-resource settings and aims to reduce the delays and losses to follow-up that lead to worse outcomes. It involves collaboration with providers and patients to refine the tool for real-world use and sustainability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, CATSystem could lead to higher screening rates, quicker referrals, and better retention in care for cervical cancer in Kenya.
How similar studies have gone: Previous pilots showed 2.5 to 5-fold improvements in onsite treatment and referrals, suggesting potential success.
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Enhanced breast and cervical cancer screening in Kenya through implementation science and training
A multi-institution effort to boost breast and cervical cancer screening, follow-up, and treatment in Kenya using hands-on implementation science and training.
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.