Exploring a new treatment for cervical precancer in HIV-positive women in South Africa

Acceptability and feasibility of combination treatment for cervical precancer among South Africa women living with HIV

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10870205

This study is looking at a new way to help women with HIV in South Africa who have precancerous cervical lesions by combining a minor surgery with a simple, low-cost cream to lower their chances of developing cervical cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10870205 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment approach for cervical precancerous lesions in women living with HIV in South Africa. It aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of using a combination of surgical excision followed by self-applied topical 5-fluorouracil (5FU), a low-cost medication, to reduce the risk of cervical cancer. By focusing on a population that is often underserved in terms of cancer treatment, the study seeks to provide a patient-centered solution that can be easily implemented in low-resource settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women living with HIV who have been diagnosed with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3).

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cervical precancer or are not living with HIV may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the rates of cervical cancer among HIV-positive women by providing an effective treatment option for precancerous conditions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in the U.S. have shown efficacy for similar treatment approaches, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancerCervical CancerCervix Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.