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.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 25 Years to 49 Years |
| Sex | Women only |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Durban) |
| 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 | NCT07645378 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
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Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa
Durban, South Africa 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.
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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.
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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.
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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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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.
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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.