Home self-sampling to improve detection of anal precancers

Self-sampling to Optimize Anal Lesion Outcomes (SOLO)

NIH-funded research Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11291272

This program offers people at higher risk for anal cancer home self-sampling kits plus education to help them complete follow-up cytology and high-resolution anoscopy appointments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMedical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Milwaukee, United States)
Project IDNIH-11291272 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be invited to join one of two groups as part of a randomized trial enrolling 572 people in Chicago, Houston, and Milwaukee. If assigned to the home-kit group, you'll receive a mailed self-sampling kit, educational materials, and options for in-clinic self-sampling and high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) if needed. If assigned to the comparison group, you'll receive education and the usual clinic-based provider sampling and HRA pathway. The study records whether people attend scheduled cytology and HRA appointments to see which approach improves follow-up and detection of precancerous lesions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people at higher risk for anal cancer (for example those with known HPV exposure or other established risk factors) who are eligible for anal screening and able to attend clinics in the study cities.

Not a fit: People at low risk for anal cancer, those not eligible for anal screening, or those unwilling/unable to use home kits or attend follow-up clinics may not receive benefit from this program.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could increase screening participation and lead to earlier detection and treatment of anal precancers, lowering the risk of anal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Prior work found that home-based self-sampling increased screening participation by more than 50% compared with clinic screening, so this trial builds on promising but not yet definitive evidence.

Where this research is happening

Milwaukee, 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 Anal CancerAnus CancerCancersCervical CancerCervical Cancer Screening
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.