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

Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in WLWH in South Africa

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 · NCT07645378 · 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 South Africa.

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Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages25 Years to 49 Years
SexWomen only
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorFred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Durban)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 15, 2026
Main results expectedDecember 31, 2027
Study endsMay 31, 2028
Registry record updatedNovember 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07645378 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Women aged 25-49 living with HIV who have a TZ1 and are eligible for thermal ablation and able to return for 6-month follow-up.

Probably not a fit

People without TZ1, those not eligible for thermal ablation, or individuals unable to attend the 6-month follow-up may not benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This interventional feasibility study compares endocervical plus ectocervical two-probe thermal ablation to standard single-probe treatment in HIV-positive women with type 1 transformation zones who are eligible for ablation. Participants screen-positive for cervical precancer receive randomization to 1-probe or 2-probe TA and are followed for 6 months with HPV testing, cervical sampling, and visual assessment to evaluate safety, acceptability, and feasibility. The study aims to determine if the two-probe approach improves treatment outcomes and aligns with WHO goals for cervical cancer elimination in high-burden settings. Eligible sites include South Africa, with collaboration among Fred Hutch, University of Washington, NCI, and University of Cincinnati.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the two-probe approach could improve protection against cervical precancer progression for WLWH and support broader cervical cancer prevention efforts.

How similar studies have gone: Previous cervical ablation studies show efficacy with single-probe TA; this study tests a novel two-probe approach in a high-risk population.

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

  • Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa
    Durban, South Africa
    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.