Clinical Research Directory

Therapy Adapted for High Risk and Low Risk HIV-Associated Anal Cancer

This phase II trial studies the side effects of chemotherapy and intensity modulated radiation therapy in treating patients with low-risk HIV-associated anal cancer, and nivolumab after standard of care chemotherapy and radiation therapy in treating patients with high-risk HIV-associated anal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Chemotherapy drugs, such as mitomycin, fluorouracil, and capecitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving chemotherapy with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving nivolumab after standard of care chemotherapy and radiation therapy may help reduce the risk of the tumor coming back.

Screening Algorithms for Cervical and Anal High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions in People With HIV in Mexico and Puerto Rico

This clinical trial aims to find what different tests work best to find high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) in the cervix or anus in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Patients with HIV are at high risk of becoming infected with human papillomavirus (HPV) in the cervix or anus where it can turn into cancer over several years. HPV causes changes to the cervix and anus, known as HSIL. This means that there is an area of abnormal tissue on the top layers of the cervix or anus. It is considered cervical or anal cancer if the abnormality spreads down into the layers of tissue below the top. If found early, many cases of HSIL can be treated before turning into cancer. Screening for cervical or anal cancer detection or HSIL associated with HPV may result in earlier treatment, if necessary, for patients living with HIV.