Thermal ablation vs LEEP for cervical precancer in women with HIV
Official title: A Randomized Clinical Trial to Assess the Effectiveness of Thermal Ablation versus Loop Electrical Excision Procedure (LEEP) in Women with High-Grade Cervical Dysplasia and Immunosuppression
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11412602 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A clinical trial will compare two treatments, thermal ablation and LEEP, for high-grade cervical lesions in women living with HIV or other immunosuppression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | May 12, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $298,225 |
| NIH project number | 5U01CA239921-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11412602 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with CIN 2/3 who are immunosuppressed (e.g., living with HIV or post-transplant) and eligible for either TA or LEEP.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without CIN 2/3 or those not fitting immunosuppressed criteria may not benefit from this trial.
What this research studies
This trial focuses on women with immune suppression who have high-grade cervical pre-cancer (CIN 2/3). Participants will be screened with high-risk HPV tests and further assessed before random assignment to either thermal ablation or LEEP. The study aims to determine which treatment more effectively clears the lesion while considering safety in immunosuppressed individuals. Results could guide doctors in choosing the best option for preventing cervical cancer progression in this vulnerable group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could identify a treatment that works well and safely for immunosuppressed women, potentially reducing cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior data show TA and LEEP are comparable in immunocompetent women, but evidence in immunosuppressed populations is limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schmeler, Kathleen — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Schmeler, Kathleen
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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.