Creating a decision tool to help prevent anal cancer in specific communities
Official title: Development and user testing of a culturally targeted anal cancer prevention decision tool
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-10842367 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a helpful tool to encourage men who have sex with men and transgender women to get the HPV vaccine, which can help prevent anal cancer, by using existing HIV prevention services to make it easier for them to access information and support.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R21MD017661-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10842367 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include MSM and TGW who are eligible for PrEP and are at increased risk for anal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as MSM or TGW, or those who are not eligible for PrEP, may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a decision-making tool aimed at increasing awareness and uptake of HPV vaccination among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW), who are at a higher risk for anal cancer. The project will utilize existing HIV prevention services, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), to reach these populations effectively. By engaging both patients and healthcare providers, the research aims to create culturally relevant content that supports informed choices about anal cancer prevention. The approach includes mixed methods and perceptual mapping to ensure the tool meets the needs of diverse communities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of anal cancer among MSM and TGW by increasing HPV vaccination rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeted health communication strategies can effectively increase vaccination rates in at-risk populations, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wheldon, Christopher W. — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Wheldon, Christopher W.
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.
-
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.
-
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.