Improving anal cancer screening through self-sampling methods
Official title: Self-sampling to Optimize Anal Lesion Outcomes (SOLO)
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11184824 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using self-sampling methods at home can help more people, especially those from sexual and gender minority groups, get screened for anal cancer, compared to going to a clinic, so we can catch any issues earlier and improve health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,035 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA298844-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11184824 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include sexual and gender minorities, particularly those who are Black or living with HIV, who may have previously faced barriers to anal cancer screening.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as sexual or gender minorities or those who are not at risk for anal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how self-sampling techniques can enhance participation in anal cancer screenings, particularly among sexual and gender minorities who face barriers to in-clinic procedures. By comparing home-based self-sampling with traditional healthcare provider sampling, the study aims to determine which method leads to higher attendance rates for important screenings like cytology and high-resolution anoscopy. The research will involve 572 participants from cities including Chicago, Houston, and Milwaukee, focusing on addressing issues such as stigma and access to healthcare. The ultimate goal is to reduce the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma by improving early detection and treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase screening rates for anal cancer, leading to earlier detection and better outcomes for at-risk populations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that home-based self-sampling significantly improves screening participation among targeted populations, indicating a promising approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nyitray, Alan Gaspar — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Nyitray, Alan Gaspar
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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.