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Artesunate Pessaries for the Treatment of Human Papillomavirus and Cervical Precancer Among Women Living With HIV in Kenya

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial tests whether artesunate pessaries (vaginal inserts) can improve the treatment of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical precancer after thermal ablation (a procedure using heat to remove tissue or a part of the body, or destroy its function) in women living with HIV (WLWH) in Kenya. WLWH face up to six times increased risk of cervical cancer. Infection with HPV can lead to precancerous changes in the cervix that, if not adequately treated, can progress to cancer. Current treatments for HPV or cervical precancer in WLWH, including thermal ablation, are associated with high rates of treatment failure. Artesunate is a drug extracted from artemisia annua plant with anti-malarial activity. It may also prevent viral growth. Giving artesunate pessaries may be effective in treating HPV and cervical precancer after thermal ablation in WLWH in Kenya.