La Romana

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of a same-day HPV-based screening and treatment approach among women living with HIV in La Romana, Dominican Republic. This randomized controlled trial aims to address the high burden of cervical cancer in this population, where screening coverage is low and follow-up care is often incomplete. The study seeks to identify factors that support successful implementation of the Screen, Triage, and Treat method to improve cervical cancer prevention and control. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the standard of care group, which involves usual examinations and follow-up visits for treatment or colposcopy referral, or to the Screen, Triage, and Treat group. The latter provides same-day HPV screening, triage using viral load criteria, and immediate ablative treatment when eligible. Participants who do not qualify for immediate treatment will be referred for colposcopy. This approach aims to streamline care and reduce the number of visits required. During the study, women will undergo HPV testing and clinical assessments. Researchers will monitor the percentage of screen-positive women who complete the entire screening and treatment process within two months, as well as the proportion of women testing HPV positive but triage negative on the same day. The study includes ongoing safety monitoring and follow-up to assess the feasibility of wider implementation. Participation duration extends through the screening cascade and follow-up evaluations.