Using automated image evaluation to improve cervical cancer screening for women with HIV
Official title: Automated Visual Evaluation for Cervical Cancer Screening in HIV-positive Women
Funded at University of Cape Town · NIH-10850713 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to make cervical cancer screening easier and more effective for women with HIV by using new technology to check images of the cervix along with HPV tests, helping to ensure they get the right care without unnecessary treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cape Town NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rondebosch, South Africa) |
| Project start | June 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $323,842 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA250011-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10850713 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are HIV-positive women who are at risk for cervical cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are HIV-negative or do not have a risk of cervical cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving cervical cancer screening for HIV-positive women, who are at a higher risk for developing the disease. The study aims to develop a simple method to triage these women by utilizing automated visual evaluation of digital images of the cervix, in conjunction with HPV testing. By leveraging advanced technologies and a clinical research platform in Cape Town, the research will compare this new approach to existing screening methods to determine its effectiveness. The goal is to reduce unnecessary overtreatment while ensuring accurate diagnosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate and less invasive cervical cancer screening methods for HIV-positive women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using automated evaluation technologies for cervical cancer screening, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cape Town
Rondebosch, South Africa Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saidu, Rakiya Saidu — University of Cape Town
- Study coordinator: Saidu, Rakiya Saidu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
mSaada: a mobile tool to boost cervical cancer screening in western Kenya
A mobile app helps community health volunteers manage cervical cancer screening tasks and follow-up for women in low-resource areas.
-
HPV self-collection in HIV care to screen for cervical cancer in Ethiopia
A patient-centered program tests a simple HPV self-collection approach within HIV clinics in Ethiopia to help detect cervical cancer earlier.
-
HOPE-inG: Increasing cervical cancer screening for women with HIV in Ghana
A study tests a home-based HPV self-sampling approach plus a tailored communication plan to help women living with HIV in Ghana get screened more often for cervical cancer.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening for LMICs using CRISPR and fluorescence
A low-resource, rapid test called CODA uses CRISPR and light signals to detect cervical cancer markers in women in sub-Saharan Africa to improve screening.
-
CODA-based cervical cancer screening in low-resource settings
A new, quick, low-cost test using CRISPR and fluorescence readouts to help screen for cervical cancer in women in sub-Saharan Africa.
-
CATSystem: a digital tool to boost cervical cancer screening and follow-up in Kenya
A digital tracking system helps doctors and patients in Kenya improve cervical cancer screening, treatment referrals, and follow-up, especially for women living with HIV.
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.