Two-probe thermal ablation for cervical precancer in WLWH in Zimbabwe
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 · NCT07645352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 (Harare) |
| 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 | NCT07645352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Women aged 25-49 living with HIV who have TZ1 and are eligible for thermal ablation.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants not meeting TA eligibility or those not randomized to the two-probe approach may not receive added benefit beyond standard care.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This feasibility study explores the safety, acceptability, and practicality of a two-probe thermal ablation approach compared with the standard one-probe method among WLWH with cervical precancer in Zimbabwe. Participants with TZ1 and eligible for TA are randomized to receive TA with either one probe or two probes and followed for 6 months with HPV testing, brush biopsies, and cervical visual assessment. The trial also collects feasibility data to inform a larger treatment effectiveness study in LMIC settings. The investigation is conducted under a multi-institutional collaboration led by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center with UW, NCI, and the University of Cincinnati, at sites including the University of Zimbabwe and Harare research centers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the two-probe approach could improve treatment outcomes and advance cervical cancer prevention for WLWH in LMICs.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies support thermal ablation as a viable treatment in cervical precancer, but this specific two-probe feasibility approach in WLWH is novel and exploratory.
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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University of Zimbabwe, Centre for Research
Harare, Zimbabwe 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 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.
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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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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.