Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 25 to 49 Women only

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.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages25 Years to 49 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorFred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kigali)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 15, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07390916 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.