Mobile HPV testing versus centralized screening to prevent cervical cancer in women living with HIV in western Cameroon
Optimization of HPV-based Cervical Cancer Screening Strategies Among Women Living With HIV: Effectiveness and Implementation of Decentralized Approach Using a Mobile Team With HPV Testing in the Western Region of Cameroon
This project tests whether bringing a mobile team that does on-site HPV testing, immediate visual check, and same-day treatment finds and treats cervical precancers more completely than sending women to central screening centers for women living with HIV aged 25–49.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1180 (estimated) |
| Ages | 25 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Institut de Recherche pour le Developpement Government |
| Locations | 6 sites (Bafoussam and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07181278 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The trial compares two delivery approaches for cervical cancer screening among women living with HIV: a decentralized mobile unit offering quasi point-of-care HPV testing with immediate visual triage and same-day treatment when needed, versus referral to centralized, well-equipped screening centers. Women aged 25–49 on or starting antiretroviral therapy who consent will be enrolled and offered one of the approaches at participating sites in the Western Region of Cameroon. Key outcomes include screening uptake, completion of the screen-to-treatment sequence, loss to follow-up at each step, and measures of cost and quality. The results aim to show which approach improves coverage and reduces dropouts in real-world, resource-limited clinic settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Women living with HIV aged 25–49 who are receiving or starting antiretroviral therapy and are able and willing to provide informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women who are currently pregnant, have had a hysterectomy, received treatment for cervical lesions within the past 12 months, or who face imminent relocation or other follow-up barriers may not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the mobile approach could increase screening completion and speed treatment of precancerous lesions, potentially lowering cervical cancer incidence and deaths among women living with HIV.
How similar studies have performed: Single-visit screen-and-treat approaches produced strong results in a large South African trial, but direct comparisons of mobile decentralized teams versus centralized referral models in this Cameroonian setting are less well studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Women * HIV infection * Age between 25 and 49 years old * Receiving or starting ARV treatment * Agreeing to participate in the study and having signed the consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current pregnancy * Hysterectomy * Treatment of cervical lesions within 12 months * Expected follow-up difficulties: planned absence that could interfere with the participation in the study (e.g., travel abroad, relocation, imminent transfer, etc.); * Any pathology or concomitant treatment which, in the opinion of the investigators, contraindicates participation or prevents satisfactory participation in the study Deferred inclusion if * menstrual bleeding * Postpartum (\<12 weeks after delivery) * Clinical signs of cervical or pelvic infection
Where this trial is running
Bafoussam and 5 other locations
- Bafoussam Baptist Hospital — Bafoussam, Cameroon (Recruiting)
- Bingo Hospital — Bafoussam, Cameroon (Recruiting)
- Centre Médical Spécialisé ACHA — Bafoussam, Cameroon (Recruiting)
- Hôpital Régional Annexe — Bafoussam, Cameroon (Recruiting)
- Bandjoun District Hospital — Bandjoun, Cameroon (Recruiting)
- Foumbot District Hospital — Foumbot, Cameroon (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joëlle Sobngwi, MD, PhD — RSD Institute
- Study coordinator: Andre-Pascal Goura, MD
- Email: cdpoptitri@gmail.com
- Phone: +227679336464
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.