Using antiviral therapies to prevent cervical cancer in women with HIV
Official title: RepurPosed AntiretrOviraL ThErapieS to EliminAte Cervical Cancer (POLESA Trial)
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-10897088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at whether using antiviral medications, Lopinavir and Ritonavir, in a vaginal application can help prevent cervical cancer in women living with HIV, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, and it aims to see how safe and acceptable these treatments are for women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $456,279 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA284033-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women living with HIV, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa who are at high risk for cervical cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have HIV or those who are not at risk for cervical cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of vaginal applications of antiviral medications, specifically Lopinavir and Ritonavir, to prevent cervical cancer in women living with HIV. The study aims to assess the safety and acceptability of these treatments, either alone or in combination with thermal ablation, as a non-invasive and scalable solution for cervical cancer prevention. By focusing on women in sub-Saharan Africa, where cervical cancer rates are high, the research seeks to provide accessible and effective options for secondary prevention. Participants will undergo visual inspection of the cervix after applying acetic acid to identify any abnormalities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective method for preventing cervical cancer in women living with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that similar approaches to cervical cancer prevention can be effective, but this specific use of antiviral therapies is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pinder, Leeya F — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Pinder, Leeya F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer burden
A nurse or health team will test a community-based, digital strategy to help girls and young women, especially in rural areas, get HPV vaccination and cervical cancer prevention services.
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Community and digital tools to reduce HPV and cervical cancer in women with HIV
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mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
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A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
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Hybrid approach to boost cervical cancer screening in Uganda
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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.