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

The study had two components:

1. 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
2. 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.