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Mungo C, Adewumi K, Adoyo E, Zulu G, Goraya SK, Ogollah C, Omoto J, Ferrari RM, Rahangdale L. "There is nothing that can prevent me from supporting her:" men's perspectives on their involvement and support of women's use of topical therapy for cervical precancer treatment in Kenya. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1360337. [PMID: 38532929 PMCID: PMC10964769 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1360337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Cervical cancer disproportionately impacts women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization's (WHO) 90/70/90 strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 by increasing HPV vaccination coverage to 90%, screening 70% of eligible women, and effectively treating 90% of those with abnormal results by 2030, potentially preventing 62 million deaths in LMICs. LMICs, however, struggle with limited access to cervical precancer treatment, in part due to a lack of trained professionals and weak health systems. Effective non-surgical, self-administered, which have demonstrated efficacy in high-income countries, could bridge the treatment gap in LMICs and may be more scalable and cost-effective than provider-administered therapies. To inform feasibility studies in LMICs, data are needed on the role of male partners in influencing the acceptability and uptake of self-administered topical therapies, including their support of recommended abstinence and contraception guidelines associated with these therapies. Methods Between November 2022 and April 2023, we conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with men aged 25 to 65 years in Kenya to explore their perspective and perceived support regarding their female partners using topical self-administered therapies for cervical precancer treatment. The FGDs were moderated by local qualitative research assistants and conducted in local languages, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative description. Results Thirty-nine male participants meeting the eligibility criteria participated in five FGDs. The mean age of participants was 42.5 years. Most participants, 79.5%, had a female partner with a history of cervical precancer treatment, 5.1% did not, and 15.4% were unsure of their female partner's prior precancer treatment history. The study aimed to assess men's support of their female partners' use of topical therapies for treating cervical precancer. We find that male participants strongly express acceptance and willingness to support their wives or partners in using such therapies, if available. Reported supportive behavior included permitting the use of the therapies and support of maintaining abstinence during the recommended times. Additionally, participants desired male involvement in clinic and community-based education about topical therapies to facilitate widespread support. Conclusion The use of self-administered topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment, if supported by efficacy studies in LMICs, may support achieving the WHO's 2030 goal of 90% treatment access. We find that with adequate education, men express overwhelming support of their female partner's use of topical therapies, including adherence to abstinence and contraception guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Konyin Adewumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Graham Zulu
- University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Supreet Kaur Goraya
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | | | - Jackton Omoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maseno University School of Medicine, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Renée M. Ferrari
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Lisa Rahangdale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Mungo C, Ellis GK, Rop M, Zou Y, Omoto J, Rahangdale L. Perceived acceptability of self-administered topical therapy for cervical precancer treatment among women undergoing cervical cancer screening in Kenya. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.05.24303779. [PMID: 38585806 PMCID: PMC10996722 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.24303779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Innovative strategies are urgently needed to meet the World Health Organization's 2030 target of treating 90% of women with precancerous cervical lesions, especially in countries most affected by cervical cancer. We assessed the acceptability of self-administered intravaginal therapies for treating cervical precancer in women undergoing cervical cancer screening and precancer treatment in Kenya. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study among women aged 18 to 65 years undergoing cervical cancer screening or precancer treatment between January and October 2023 in Kisumu County, Kenya. Participants completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and perceived acceptability of self- or provider-administered topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment. Quantitative data were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 379 questionnaires were completed. The median age of participants was 35 years (IQR 25-62), 62% had a primary education or less, and 71% earned $5 or less daily. All participants had been screened for cervical cancer, and 191 (51%) had received precancer treatment, primarily thermal ablation. Ninety-eight percent of participants were willing to use a self-administered intravaginal therapy for cervical precancer, if available. The majority, 91%, believed their male partner would support their use. Given a choice, 63% preferred self-admiration at home compared to provider-administration of a topical therapy in the clinic, citing time and cost savings. In multivariate analysis, married women were more likely to expect partner support for self-administration than single women. Participants preferred a therapy used less frequently but for a longer duration, compared to daily use therapy with a shorter duration of use. Conclusions Self-administered intravaginal therapies for cervical precancer treatment are highly acceptable among women undergoing screening and precancer treatment in Kenya.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Grace K Ellis
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mercy Rop
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Yating Zou
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jackton Omoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maseno University School of Medicine. Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lisa Rahangdale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Mungo C, Adewumi K, Adoyo E, Zulu G, Goraya SK, Ogollah C, Omoto J, Ferrari RM, Rahangdale L. "There is nothing that can prevent me from supporting her:" Men's perspectives on their involvement and support of women's use of topical therapy for cervical precancer treatment in Kenya. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.22.23300455. [PMID: 38234805 PMCID: PMC10793535 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.22.23300455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Purpose Cervical cancer disproportionately impacts women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization's (WHO) 90/70/90 strategy aims to eliminate cervical cancer by 2030 by increasing HPV vaccination coverage to 90%, screening 70% of eligible women, and effectively treating 90% of those with abnormal results by 2030, potentially preventing 62 million deaths in LMICs. LMICs, however, struggle with limited access to cervical precancer treatment, in part due to a lack of trained professionals and weak health systems. Effective non-surgical, self-administered, which have demonstrated efficacy in high-income countries, could bridge the treatment gap in LMICs and may be more scalable and cost-effective than provider-administered therapies. To inform feasibility studies in LMICs, data are needed on the role of male partners in influencing the acceptability and uptake of self-administered topical therapies, including their support of recommended abstinence and contraception guidelines associated with these therapies. Methods Between November 2022 and April 2023, we conducted five focus group discussions (FGDs) with men aged 25 to 65 years in Kenya to explore their perspective and perceived support regarding their female partners using topical self-administered therapies for cervical precancer treatment. The FGDs were moderated by local qualitative research assistants and conducted in local languages, transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative description. Results Male participants in the FGDs strongly expressed acceptance and willingness to support their wives or partners in using topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment, if available. Reported supportive behavior included permitting the use of the therapies and support of maintaining abstinence during the recommended times. Additionally, participants desired male involvement in clinic and community-based education about topical therapies to facilitate widespread support. Conclusion The use of self-administered topical therapies for cervical precancer treatment, if supported by efficacy studies in LMICs, may support achieving the WHO's 2030 goal of 90% treatment access. We find that with adequate education, men express overwhelming support of their female partner's use of topical therapies, including adherence to abstinence and contraception guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Konyin Adewumi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | | | - Supreet Kaur Goraya
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Jackton Omoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maseno University School of Medicine, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Renée M. Ferrari
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Lisa Rahangdale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Mungo C, Bukusi E, Kirkland GE, Ogollah C, Rota G, Omoto J, Rahangdale L. Feasibility of adjuvant self-administered intravaginal 5-fluorouracil cream following primary treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or 3 among women living with HIV in Kenya: study protocol for a pilot trial. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.13.23299916. [PMID: 38168442 PMCID: PMC10760255 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.13.23299916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background Women living with HIV (WLWH), the majority of whom live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), are at higher risk of cervical precancer, known as cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), and are up to six times more likely to get cervical cancer. Current CIN treatment methods, primarily ablation or excision, have high treatment failure rates among WLWH, up to 30% for CIN grade 2 or 3 (CIN2/3) at 24 months following ablation. Without strong follow-up many WLWH with treatment failure are at risk of developing invasive cervical cancer, highlighting the urgent need for improved CIN treatment methods. Prior studies in high-income countries (HICs) have demonstrated that 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream, an antimetabolite drug that is easily accessible in LMICs, can be used intravaginally as adjuvant therapy following primary CIN2/3 treatment in WLWH to reduce CIN2/3 recurrence. While the safety, acceptability, and efficacy of self-administered 5-FU for cervical precancer treatment has been demonstrated in HICs, it has not been studied among WLWH in LMICs who bear the greatest burden of cervical cancer. Methods We are conducting a Phase I pilot study investigating the feasibility of using 5-FU cream as an adjuvant, self-administered intravaginal therapy following cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 (CIN2/3) treatment among WLWH in Kenya (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05362955). Twelve participants will be enrolled in this single-arm study. Participants will self-administer 2g of 5% 5-FU cream intravaginally every other week for eight applications. The primary objective is to determine safety, defined as the type, frequency, and severity of adverse events (AEs) using a standardized grading scale. The secondary objectives are uptake, tolerability, adherence, and acceptability. Results There are no results at this time as this is an ongoing study. Discussion To achieve the World Health Organization (WHO) 90/70/90 global cervical cancer elimination goals, which include 90% of women with cervical precancer adequately treated by 2030, it is essential to employ innovative and resource-appropriate strategies to improve cervical precancer treatment among WLWH. The use of 5-FU as adjuvant therapy following current screen & treat programs may be a feasible and scalable strategy to optimize outcomes in this high-risk group. This clinical trial will provide important feasibility data to inform future randomized efficacy trials in LMICs. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05362955.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chemtai Mungo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 450 West Dr, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | | | - Grace E Kirkland
- School of Medicine, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | | | - Gershon Rota
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Busia Rd, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Jackton Omoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maseno University School of Medicine, P.O, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Lisa Rahangdale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, 321 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 450 West Dr, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
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Desravines N, Miele K, Carlson R, Chibwesha C, Rahangdale L. Topical therapies for the treatment of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2-3: A narrative review. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2020; 33:100608. [PMID: 32685652 PMCID: PMC7356206 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2020.100608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
CIN management is currently surveillance or surgical therapy. This review describes current research on medical therapies. Imiquimod is the most studied with evidence of safety and efficacy. 5-Fluorouracil has also shown promise with two clinical trials showing efficacy as adjuvant and primary treatment. Antivirals therapies have produced mixed results with cidofovir showing the most potential. The data remains weak regarding hormonal, herbal and alternative therapies rending it difficult to draw conclusions.
Current management of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia (CIN), caused by high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV), is based on surveillance and surgical therapy. Procedures carry potential risks such as preterm birth, and access remains limited throughout the world. However, there are no medical therapies recommended to promote the clearance of hr-HPV infection or CIN. Ultimately, even if less efficacious than excision procedures, medical therapies have the potential to decrease cervical cancer by eliminating barriers to treatment, such as access to treatment, or serving as an adjunct to surgical treatment in both high- and low-resource settings. This review describes current research on topical therapies with the potential for self-application for the treatment of HPV or CIN. Therapies included are immune-modulators, anti-proliferative medications, antivirals, hormones, and herbal/alternative therapies. Randomized trials of immune-modulating (imiquimod), anti-proliferative (5-fluorouracil), and anti-viral (cidofovir) therapies have had the most promising results. However, no option has sufficient clinical trial evidence to be recommended as treatment for CIN 2–3 and surgery remains the standard of care. The research described in this review serves as a guide for the development of future trials in the burgeoning arena of topical therapies for CIN 2–3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerlyne Desravines
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kate Miele
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Carlson
- University of North Carolina Health Sciences Library, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carla Chibwesha
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,South Africa University of the Witwatersrand, Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Johannesburg-Braamfontein, Gauteng, ZA, South Africa
| | - Lisa Rahangdale
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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