Hospital-based Validation of the New ELEVATE Screening Tool (ELEVATE-Pilot)

January 22, 2025 updated by: University Hospital, Ghent

Hospital-based Validation of the New ELEVATE Screening Tool in Belgium and Ecuador

ELEVATE is a six-year project, conducted by an international research alliance led by Ghent University, aiming to develop a new test and approach for cervical cancer screening in hard-to-reach populations.

In this final stage of the project, a hospital-based validation study is deployed in Belgium and Ecuador to clinically validate the new ELEVATE screening test based on self-samples and endocervical samples. The simultaneous detection of HPV DNA and the proteomic markers allows for the detection of those cervical HPV infections associated with progression towards cervical cancer.

At each study site, 100 women between 30-65 years old, with a recent abnormal pap smear result will be recruited in the colposcopy waiting room. After registration and signing the informed consent form, each woman will be asked to fill out a short self-administered questionnaire for socio-demographic information. Each woman will provide a self-sample as well as an endocervical sample before the colposcopy examination. Both samples of all 200 women (i.e. participants from Belgium and Ecuador) will be tested with the new ELEVATE screening test, using 400 ELEVATE cartridges, as well as with standard tests.

Besides analyzing all samples on the new ELEVATE screening test, the following standard tests will also be performed on all samples (at Ghent University - including the shipped samples of Ecuador):

  • AnyplexTM II HPV HR Detection (Segeene Inc., Korea): approved comparison test
  • ELISA protein detection: only available comparison test

In order to generate HPV DNA results locally, that can be communicated to the participants in short time (versus waiting for AnyplexTM II HPV HR Detection test results after shipment to Belgium), in Ecuador the following additional standard test will be performed on the100 endocervical samples (before shipment to Belgium):

• HPV DNA Mole Bioscience test

Concordance between the test results of the ELEVATE screening test and standard lab tests on both type of samples will be defined, for HPV DNA as well as protein detection. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of the HPV DNA test and the protein test of the ELEVATE screening test will be defined, according to clinically relevant outcomes.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Not yet recruiting

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Detailed Description

ELEVATE is a six-year project, conducted by an international research alliance led by Ghent University, aiming to develop a new test and approach for cervical cancer screening in hard-to-reach populations.

In this final stage of the project, a hospital-based validation study is deployed in Belgium and Ecuador to clinically validate the new ELEVATE screening test based on self-samples and endocervical samples. This point-of-care test is a portable, battery-powered device compatible with self-sampling and comprises a Human Papillomavirus (HPV) DNA test as well as a proteomic biomarkers detection sensor, aiming for high sensitivity and specificity. The test can be offered in a broad range of settings and results are available in less than 24 hours, eliminating the need for sample storage and lab infrastructure. The simultaneous detection of HPV DNA and the proteomic markers allows for the detection of those cervical HPV infections associated with progression towards cervical cancer.

At each study site, 100 women between 30-65 years old, with a recent abnormal pap smear result will be recruited in the colposcopy waiting room. After registration and signing the informed consent form, each woman will be asked to fill out a short self-administered questionnaire for socio-demographic information. Each woman will provide a self-sample as well as an endocervical sample before the colposcopy examination. The self-sample will be taken by using the Evalyn brush (Rovers - CE-approved device), while the endocervical sample will be taken by the gynaecologist with a standard endocervical brush used in the hospital. Both sampling measures are considered non-invasive. The ELEVATE screening tool is composed out of a device and cartridges. The ELEVATE cartridge is a microfluidic cartridge, consisting of the 2 sensor types (genomic and proteomic), onto which cervical fluid will be brought drop by drop. This cartridge will then be introduced into the ELEVATE screening device, after which via electrochemical signals the HPV DNA and protein result will become clear. The new ELEVATE screening test (or tool) is an HPV DNA detection and protein detection test under development; results based on the new test will not be shared with the patient or health care provider. Results of the tool will be compared with standard laboratory tests. Only the result of the standard laboratory tests will be fed back to the patient if requested by the patient (as also mentioned in the ICF).

The following tests will be performed at UZ Gent:

  • new ELEVATE screening test (HPV DNA detection and protein detection) on self-sample and endocervical samples from women from Belgium (100 women, 200 samples)
  • Standard lab test HPV DNA Detection: AnyplexTM II HPV HR Detection (Segeene Inc., Korea): approved comparison test; on all samples, including samples sent to Belgium from the women from Ecuador (200 women, 400 samples)
  • Standard lab test protein detection: ELISA protein detection: only available comparison test; on all samples, inlcuding samples sent to Belgium from the women from Ecuador (200 women, 400 samples)

In order to generate HPV DNA results locally, that can be communicated to the participants in short time (versus waiting for AnyplexTM II HPV HR Detection test results after shipment to Belgium), in Ecuador the following additional standard test will be performed on the100 endocervical samples (before shipment to Belgium):

  • HPV DNA Mole Bioscience test
  • new ELEVATE screening test (HPV DNA detection and protein detection) on self-test and endocervical sample from women from Ecuador (100 women, 200 samples)

Concordance between the test results of the ELEVATE screening test and standard lab tests on both type of samples will be defined, for HPV DNA as well as protein detection. Additionally, the sensitivity and specificity of the HPV DNA test and the protein test of the ELEVATE screening test will be defined, according to clinically relevant outcomes.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
200

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Contact

The name and contact information for the person who can answer enrollment questions for a clinical study. Each location where the study is being conducted may also have a specific contact, who may be better able to answer those questions.

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Belgium
    • East-Flanders
      • Ghent, East-Flanders, Belgium, 9000
        • Ghent University Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Contact:
        • Contact:
          • Philippe Tummers, MD,PhD,Prof
        • Contact:
          • Heleen Vermandere, PhD
        • Contact:
          • Marie Hendrickx, MSC
  • Ecuador
      • Cuenca, Ecuador
        • SOLCA University Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Contact:
          • Bernardo José Vega Crespo
        • Contact:
          • Dayanara Delgado
        • Contact:
          • Vivian Alejandra Neira Molina

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • have a previous abnormal pap smear/recent diagnosis of cervical dysplasia (<4 months) and therefore have a colposcopy appointment, or
  • a positive HPV test (<4 months) and therefore have a colposcopy appointment, and
  • able to understand the study materials (questionnaire) and informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

  • women with heavy bleeding at consultation
  • women with known pregnancy at consultation
  • women who are undergoing or have completed chemotherapy in the six months prior to the enrollment, or received LEEP, cryotherapy or another treatment in the six months prior to enrollment
  • women who do not consent

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Prevention
  • Allocation: N/A
  • Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Sample taking and questionnaire

The participant is invited in the colposcopy waiting room by the study nurse and is asked to follow the study nurse to a separate room. Here the participant is given all the information about the study and sampling. If the participant agrees to participate and signs the consent form, the study nurse registers the participant and then asks her to complete a very short questionnaire. After that, the participant will be asked to take a self-sample.

Then the participant will proceed to her appointment for colposcopy. The doctor will take an endocervical samples, similar to a pap smear, before the actual colposcopy examination begins. Her samples will then be analyzed with the newly developed ELEVATE test and with comparative lab tests (standard HPV DNA detection and protein detection tests) in order to validate the newly developed ELEVATE cervical cancer screening test.

Participation is free and the participant can stop your participation at any time.
Behavioral: Questionnaire
Questionnaire to probe socio-demographic data and information regarding sexual and reproductive health.
Procedure: HPV self-sample
Collection of HPV self-sample. The study nurse will explain step by step how the participant should take the test. The participant will also be given written instructions and the study nurse will always be around if the participant has any questions. The participant will be asked to take the self-sample in a private room with toilet. After collection the sample is handed back to the study nurse, who will then take the samples to the laboratory for analysis.
Procedure: Endocervical sample
Endocervical sample taken by the gynaecologist. This procedure can be somewhat uncomfortable but not painful. The participant may always ask questions if she has any doubts or questions. The gynaecologist will perform the standard colposcopy examination after collection (for which the woman sits in the colposcopy waiting room)

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Clinical validation
Time Frame: Up to 8 months
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the new ELEVATE screening test, combining HPV DNA detection and biomarker detection, according to clinically relevant outcomes (coloscopy results).
Up to 8 months

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Concordance
Time Frame: Up to 8 months
To determine the concordance between the test results of the new ELEVATE screening test and standard tests on the self-sample and endocervical sample (for both HPV DNA and protein detection).
Up to 8 months
HPV DNA test validation
Time Frame: Up to 8 months
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the HPV DNA test of the ELEVATE screening test according to clinically relevant outcomes
Up to 8 months
Protein test validation
Time Frame: Up to 8 months
To determine the sensitivity and specificity of the protein test of the ELEVATE screening test according to clinically relevant outcomes
Up to 8 months

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
University Hospital, Ghent

Collaborators

Collaborators

An organization other than the sponsor that provides support for a clinical study. This support may include activities related to funding, design, implementation, data analysis, or reporting.
Horizon 2020 - European Commission
Universidad de Cuenca

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Study Chair: Olivier Degomme, MD,PhD,Prof, International Centre of Reproductive Health
  • Principal Investigator: Philippe Tummers, MD,PhD,Prof, Vrouwenkliniek, UZ Ghent
  • Principal Investigator: Bernardo José Vega Crespo, MD, Universidad de Cuenca

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

Helpful Links

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
March 1, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 1, 2025

Study Completion (Estimated)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 1, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
February 21, 2024

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
March 4, 2024

First Posted (Actual)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
March 12, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
March 25, 2025

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
January 22, 2025

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
January 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • ONZ-2024-0044

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Sharing Supporting Information Type

  • STUDY_PROTOCOL
  • ICF

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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