Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in WLWH in Rwanda
Official title: Expanded Use of Thermal Ablation (EXCEL Cohort) and Prophylactic Use of Two Probes (PRO Cohort) for Cervical Cancer Prevention in Women Living With HIV
Run by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NCT07390916 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using two probes for thermal ablation is safer or more effective than one probe for treating cervical precancer in women living with HIV in Rwanda.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kigali) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 15, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | November 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07390916 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 25-49 living with HIV who have intact cervix, TZ1, positive hrHPV or VIA within 3 months, and are eligible for thermal ablation.
✕Probably not a fit
Women outside the TZ1 category, those not eligible for thermal ablation, or those not reachable for 6-month follow-up may not benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a feasibility study enrolling 300 women living with HIV in Rwanda who have positive cervical cancer screening results and a type 1 transformation zone. Participants are randomized to receive thermal ablation with either one probe (ectocervical) or two probes (endocervical and ectocervical). Follow-up at 6 months includes HPV testing, cervical biopsies, and visual assessment to evaluate safety, feasibility, and preliminary outcomes. The study aims to inform a future effectiveness trial within the national screening program. Women not eligible for thermal ablation are referred to standard care at local facilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the two-probe approach could improve treatment effectiveness and consistency of cervical precancer management for WLWH in LMIC settings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous cervical precancer treatments using thermal ablation have shown promise, but the two-probe approach in WLWH is a novel feasibility question to determine feasibility and potential improvement.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 25-49 years old 2. Living with HIV Inclusion criteria specific to the feasibility study 1. Intact cervix 2. Willing to return to facility at 6 months 3. Willing and able to provide informed consent 4. Positive hrHPV or VIA test within 3 months of enrollment 5. Type 1 transformation zone (TZ1) 6. Thermal ablation eligible Exclusion Criteria: 1. Screened for cervical cancer outside of study in last 6 months 2. Currently pregnant or less than 6 weeks postpartum 3. Prior diagnosis of cervical cancer 4. A history of treatment for cervical precancer 5. Total hysterectomy 6. Currently receiving treatment for any cancer 7. Individual has a condition that the Clinical Site PI believes will interfere with or affect the conduct, results, or completion of the clinical study 8. Individual has a condition that the Clinical Site PI considers creates an unacceptable risk to the individual if enrolled
Where it's running
-
Research for Development (RD) Rwanda
Kigali, Rwanda Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rachel L Winer, PhD, MPH — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Araceli Loera, MPH
- Email: aloera@fredhutch.org
- Phone: +1 206-667-5816
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in WLWH in South Africa
This study tests whether using two probes for thermal ablation is safer or more effective than one probe for treating cervical precancer in women living with HIV in South Africa.
-
Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in WLWH in Zimbabwe
This study tests whether using two TA probes (endocervical and ectocervical) is better than one probe for treating cervical precancer in women living with HIV in Zimbabwe.
-
Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in HIV+ women in Kenya
This study tests whether using two probes for thermal ablation is more effective and acceptable than one probe for treating cervical precancer in women living with HIV in Kenya.
-
Pregnant Women Living with HIV on Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide
This study looks at how B/F/TAF is used in pregnant women with HIV and whether it helps maintain viral suppression from before conception through delivery.
-
Multiple interventions to try for HIV remission in people on ART
This study tests a combination approach, including intensified ART, latency-reversal agents, and autologous dendritic cell therapy, to see if people living with HIV on long-term ART can achieve sustained viral suppression or prolonged remission.
-
Can people collect their own vaginal sample for HPV testing as well as clinician collection for comparison?
This study tests whether individuals can correctly use a self-collection device to gather a vaginal sample for high-risk HPV screening and whether the self-collected sample agrees with clinician-collected samples.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.