Screening for Anal Cancer in Men Who Have Sex With Men Using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Anal Cancer; Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; HSIL, High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; LSIL, Low-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions; HPV; Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Registration Number: NCT07029152
• Lead Sponsor: Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel

Brief Summary

This study aims to learn more about anal cancer risk in men who have sex with men (MSM) who are using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) to prevent HIV. Specifically, we want to check how common High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) are in this group, how well anal swabs can screen for these lesions, and how having HSIL affects their quality of life. We'll also test if DNA methylation testing can give us extra information about the lesions.

The main questions the study aims to answer are:

* How common are HSIL in MSM using PrEP?

* How accurate are anal swabs for detecting HSIL in this group?

* How does having HSIL affect the quality of life of MSM using PrEP?

* Can DNA methylation testing help improve our understanding of HSIL in these individuals?

Participants will:

* Answer questions about their health and quality of life.

* Have an anal smear collected for testing.

* Undergo High-Resolution Anoscopy (HRA) to check for HSIL and get a biopsy if deemed necessary.

Detailed Description

This study aims to evaluate High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL) in men who have sex with men (MSM) using Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention. MSM are at increased risk for developing anal cancer, and HSIL is a known precursor to this type of cancer. The study seeks to assess the prevalence of HSIL, the screening accuracy of anal swabs, and the impact of HSIL on quality of life for MSM using PrEP. Furthermore, the study will explore the use of DNA methylation testing as a potential tool for improving the detection and understanding of HSIL in this high-risk group.

This multicenter clinical trial will involve MSM using PrEP at several study sites to ensure a diverse and representative sample.

The study will focus on prevalence, screening accuracy, and quality of life impacts, and will incorporate DNA methylation testing to explore potential molecular markers for early detection and progression of HSIL.

The primary goal of the study is to improve the early detection of HSIL in MSM using PrEP. By evaluating screening methods and quality of life, this study aims to provide valuable data that could lead to more effective screening strategies and interventions for preventing anal cancer in this population. The use of DNA methylation testing will provide additional insights into the molecular biology of HSIL, potentially informing future screening protocols.

This study addresses a significant gap in current research regarding the prevention and early detection of anal cancer in MSM using PrEP and aims to contribute critical data to improve healthcare outcomes for this high-risk population.

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-06
• Study First Submitted: 2025-06-02
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-06-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-06-11
• Study First Posted: 2025-06-19
• Last Update Posted: 2025-06-19
• Study Start: 2025-07
• Primary Completion: 2026-12
• Study Completion: 2026-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 296

Inclusion Criteria

• HIV-uninfected MSM (men who have sex with men) aged 35 years or older.
• participants must have been using PrEP for at least 3 months.
• Dutch, English or French speaking and writing

Exclusion Criteria

• Any intervention in the (peri-)anal region within the past 3 months
• Enema usage within 2 h before sampling
• Currently undergoing peri-anal topical HPV-treatment
• HRA in the last year (anal swab or HRA prior to the last year is no exclusion)

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: SINGLE_GROUP

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Prevalence of anal high-risk HPV infection in MSM-PrEP in Belgium	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	The primary endpoint aims to determine the prevalence of HR HPV in MSM-PrEP in Belgium.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in MSM using PrEP in Belgium	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	The secondary endpoint aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal anal cytology in MSM using PrEP in Belgium
Prevalence of abnormal histology, i.e. LSIL and HSIL in MSM using PrEP in Belgium	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	The third endpoint aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal anal histology in MSM using PrEP in Belgium
Methylation on cytology (screening) samples and histology (HRA) samples	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	The fourth endpoint aims to investigate methylation profiles according to the cytological or histo-logical results
Accuracy of anal HPV genotyping, anal cytology and methylation, together or as separate tests in the prediction of hHSIL	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	The fifth endpoint aims to determinate the specificity and sensitivity of anal HPV genotyping, anal cytology and methylation, together and as separate tests, used as screening tests for hHSIL.
Can we distinguish different profiles in hHSIL suggesting repression or progression?	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	profiling hHSIL in terms of methylation and biomarkers such as HPV genotyping, HPV-E4, p16 and Ki67
Can ASCL1/ZNF582 methylation test make accuracy of the less invasive anal swab testing better and/or be used to guide treatment decision making?	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	Receiver operating curve analysis of anal swabs for hHSIL detection with or without methylation testing on anal swab.
Determine the incidence of HPV related lesions between demographics, lifestyle, HPV vaccination, sexual risk behavior, history of STI and HPV infection, cytology and histology.	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	Determination of (multiple) correlations between demographics, lifestyle, HPV vaccination, sexual risk behavior, history of STIs versus HPV infection and abnormal cytohistology.
Impact of anal cancer screening in MSM using PrEP on quality of life	From screening to study completion for the patient (on average 8 months).	Determination of quality of life using EQ-5D questionnaire (annex 1) at screening and follow-up in MSM using PrEP.

Trial Locations

Locations (7)

AZ Sint Jan; 🇧🇪 Brugge, Belgium

CHU Saint-Pierre; 🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium

UZ Brussel; 🇧🇪 Brussel, Belgium

Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc - UCLouvain; 🇧🇪 Bruxelles, Belgium

UZ Gent; 🇧🇪 Gent, Belgium

UZ Leuven; 🇧🇪 Leuven, Belgium

CHU Charleroi - Chimay; 🇧🇪 Lodelinsart, Belgium