HPV Test-and-Treat-Strategy Versus Cytology-based Strategy for Prevention of CIN2+ in HIV-Infected Women

The study had two components:

• a randomized open-label comparison between immediate cryotherapy (test-and-treat strategy; Arm A) and cytology-based strategy (Arm B) in participants detected with high-risk HPV (hr-HPV), and
• a brief cohort follow-up for participants for whom cryotherapy was inappropriate (Arm C).

The study's primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of immediate cryotherapy (Arm A) compared to the cytology-based strategy (Arm B).

The total target sample size was up to 450 (280 for Arms A and B, approximately 170 for Arm C). Randomization to Arms A and B was stratified by use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at screening (taking any ART or not taking any ART) with institutional balancing.

All study participants were screened with the Abbott RealTime hr-HPV test (aHPV) to detect hr-HPV infection.

At screening, the examiner also performed a visual inspection and colposcopy without biopsies to determine whether the candidate's cervix was suitable for cryotherapy (see inclusion criteria for definition).

Participants with cervical lesions inappropriate for cryotherapy were not eligible for randomization (to Arms A or B) but were eligible to register to Arm C. Participants without hr-HPV (by aHPV) were also eligible to register to Arm C if lesions were seen on the screening colposcopy or if the screening cytology showed high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). Arm C provided a larger number of participants for assessments of HPV genotypes found in CIN2+ (cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2, 3, or invasive cancer) biopsy specimens and of the effect of LEEP on prevalent hr-HPV infections. In addition, Arm C provided important data for implementation of the HPV test-and-treat strategy including the role of HPV testing in the management of women with extensive cervical lesions inappropriate for cervical cryotherapy, hr-HPV negative women with cervical lesions or HSIL cytology.

Participants in Arm A undergo one or two cervical biopsies followed by immediate cervical cryotherapy at entry. Up to two visible lesions were biopsied. If no lesions were seen, then one normal-appearing area of the cervix was biopsied. Participants in Arm A received the results of the biopsy, but participants received cryotherapy treatment regardless of the results.

Participants in Arm B followed a cytology-based management plan involving three steps - cytology, colposcopy with directed biopsies, and loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), as needed.

Participants in Arms A and B were seen at weeks 26, 52, 78, 104 and 130 post entry for evaluation using aHPV, HPV DNA PCR, cervical cytology, and cervical colposcopy and directed biopsies for a total follow-up length of 130 weeks. Biopsies were expected for participants with abnormal cytology and with visible cervical lesions on colposcopy.

Participants in Arm C undergo colposcopy and directed biopsies. If CIN2+ was detected by biopsy, then LEEP was performed and a follow-up visit 26 weeks after these procedures was scheduled for evaluation using aHPV, HPV DNA PCR, Xpert HPV, cervical cytology, and cervical colposcopy and directed biopsies. After the week 26 visit, Arm C participants went off study.

All participants who had cryotherapy or LEEP were seen 4 weeks post-procedure to evaluate potential adverse events (AEs) from the procedure.

Inclusion criteria

• HIV-1 infection.
• Certain laboratory values obtained within 45 days prior to study entry (more information can be found in the protocol).
• For candidates suitable for cervical cryotherapy, hr-HPV detected by aHPV within 45 days prior to study entry.
• For women without hr-HPV detected by the aHPV assay, presence of lesions on visual inspection or HSIL cervical cytology. These participants are not eligible for randomization to Arms A or B and were followed in Arm C.
• Suitable candidate for cervical cryotherapy (as defined in the protocol): No visible cervical lesions, OR (a) any visible lesions were located entirely on the ectocervix and were no more than 2 to 3 mm. into the endocervical canal, AND (b) visible lesions covered less than 75% of the cervix, AND (c) all visible lesions were deemed appropriate for cryotherapy by the treating local health care provider.

NOTE: Participants with cervical lesions inappropriate for cryotherapy are not eligible for randomization to Arms A or B and were followed in Arm C.

• For participants of reproductive potential, negative pregnancy test within 48 hours prior to study entry.
• Must agree not to participate in a conception process (e.g. active attempt to get pregnant or in vitro fertilization), or use at least one reliable contraceptive if participating in sexual activity, from time of study entry until 12 weeks after study entry.
• If recently gave birth, must be at least 12 weeks postpartum.
• Ability and willingness of participant or legal guardian/representative to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

• Current or prior history of cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancer.
• Prior cervical cryotherapy, LEEP, cervical conization, or total or partial hysterectomy.
• Cervical, vaginal, or vulvar lesions that are suspicious on clinical exam for cancer.
• Visual evidence of bacterial STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or suspicion of pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Prior vaccination with an HPV vaccine.
• Hemophilia.
• Currently on anticoagulation therapy other than acetylsalicylic acid.
• Serious illness requiring systemic treatment and/or hospitalization within 21 days prior to study entry.
• Active drug or alcohol use or dependence or any other condition that, in the opinion of the site investigator, would interfere with the participant's ability to adhere to study requirements.