Improving anal cancer screening for people with HIV using genetic testing
Official title: Optimization of anal cancer screening for people with HIV using genomic methods
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-10785779 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to improve how we check for anal cancer in people living with HIV by testing a new, gentler method that uses a special brush to collect samples, and we want to see if it works better than the usual tests.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $187,148 |
| NIH project number | 1K08CA285939-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10785779 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are at high risk for anal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those who are not at risk for anal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the screening process for anal cancer in individuals living with HIV by utilizing genomic methods. The study aims to compare a new genomic test, which uses a cytobrush for sample collection, against standard screening techniques that often yield inaccurate results. By enrolling a cohort of 250 participants, the research will gather data to identify genetic markers associated with precancerous anal lesions, potentially leading to more accurate and less invasive screening methods. The goal is to improve early detection and treatment of anal cancer, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality in this high-risk population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive screening methods for anal cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using genomic methods for cancer screening, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Silvera, Richard — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Silvera, Richard
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.