Loop electrosurgical excision procedure: safety and tolerability among human immunodeficiency virus-positive Kenyan women

"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

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.

"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

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.

Patient expectations and experiences with loop electrosurgical excision procedure in inpatient and outpatient settings

BACKGROUND

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) for high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion is performed in both an inpatient setting under general anaesthesia and an outpatient setting under local anaesthesia. Efficacy and safety are comparable and outpatient LEEP may save time and cost in the Australian setting.

AIMS

We aim to compare patient satisfaction with inpatient LEEP compared to outpatient LEEP for Australian best practice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective quantitative and qualitative cohort study. An online questionnaire was sent to patients undergoing inpatient and outpatient LEEP to assess satisfaction with the procedure. Further histopathological and demographic data were also collected from the medical records. Groups were compared using Fischer's exact test and pain scores were compared using non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Ninety-three outpatients and 52 inpatients responded to the survey. No difference was found between groups with regard to rate of positive histopathological margins or number of passes required. Outpatients found the procedure to be more convenient than inpatients (P = 0.007), and experienced more pain during the procedure than the inpatient group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in pain scores following the procedure or post-procedure anxiety.

CONCLUSIONS

Outpatient LEEP is an acceptable and well-tolerated procedure, comparable to inpatient LEEP. Regardless of the option chosen, patients are highly likely to be satisfied with their choice. Increased efforts should be made to reduce pre-procedural anxiety, which may in turn reduce expectations and experiences of pain.

Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Treats Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia 2/3 Among HIV- and HIV+ Women in Kenya

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to compare loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) as treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2/3 in HIV- versus HIV+ women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-five HIV- and 75 HIV+ women at 6 months or more after LEEP for CIN 2/3 were enrolled between September 2013 and November 2014 in this prospective cohort study at the cervical cancer screening clinic in Eldoret, Kenya. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), followed by cervical cytology with conventional cytology, was performed on all women. Women with positive VIA or abnormal cervical cytology underwent colposcopy/biopsy. Lesion progression, persistence, and regression were assessed to quantify the efficacy of LEEP.

RESULTS

Post-loop electrosurgical excision procedure screening test showed both a negative VIA and normal cervical cytology in 64 (85%) of HIV- and 57 (77%) HIV+ women (risk difference = 8.3%, CI = -4.2% to 21%, p = .20). Eleven (15%) HIV- and 17 (23%) HIV+ (p = .20) women had positive VIA, abnormal cervical cytology, or both and were referred for colposcopy/biopsy. Twenty-one (8 HIV-, 13 HIV+) women were biopsied. Of the 8 HIV- women, 4 (50%) had CIN lesions that regressed, 3 (38.0%) persisted, and 1 (12%) progressed to invasive cancer after LEEP. Of the 13 HIV+ women, 6 (46%) had CIN lesions that regressed, 7 (54%) had CIN lesions that persisted, and no HIV+ women had CIN lesions that progressed after LEEP. There was no difference in estimated efficacies of LEEP for HIV- and HIV+ women (92.7% versus 89.4%, risk difference = 3.3%, CI = -4.8% to 15.3%, p = .85).

CONCLUSIONS

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure for CIN 2/3 is effective treatment for HIV- and HIV+ women in low-resource settings. Future efforts should improve follow-up after treatment.

Treatment of pre- and confirmed cervical cancer in HIV-seropositive women from developing countries: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer has become a major public health challenge in developing countries with a reported age-standardised incidence rate of about 17.9/100,000/year and lifetime risks approaching 1 in 20 in some settings. Evidence indicates that HIV-seropositive women are 2 to 12 times more likely to develop precancerous lesions that lead to cervical cancer than HIV-negative women. There is a lack of rigorous evidence on which treatment methods are being utilised for HIV-positive women, and this review aims to synthesise available evidence on treatment modalities for both cervical neoplasia and cervical cancer in HIV-seropositive women in developing countries.

METHODS

A systematic review guided by a published protocol was conducted. Online databases including MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Emerald (via EBSCOhost), PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, and health databases, which cover developing countries (3ie Systematic Reviews, WHO library and databases, World Bank website), were searched for published articles. Additional articles were found through citation, reference list tracking, and grey literature. Study design, treatment category, geographic country/region, and key outcomes for each included article were documented and summarised.

RESULTS

Thirteen research articles from sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America were included. Eight (61.5%) articles focused on the treatment of cervical cancer with the remaining five (38.5%) assessed cervical neoplasia treatment. The available cervical cancer treatments, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, chemoradiation, and surgery are effective for HIV-seropositive patients, and these are the same treatments for HIV-negative patients. Both cryotherapy and LEEP are effective in reducing CIN2+ among HIV-seropositive women, and a choice between the treatments might be based on available resources and expertise. Radiation, chemotherapy, concurrent treatment using radiotherapy and chemotherapy, and surgery have shown the possibility of effectiveness among HIV-seropositive women. Cervical cancer stage, immunosuppressive level including those on HAART, and multisystem toxicities due to treatment are associated with treatment completion, prognostic, and survival outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of cervical cancer is based on the stage of cancer, and poor outcomes in most developing countries might be due to a lack of optimal treatment regimen. Those infected with HIV were younger and had advanced cervical cancer as compared to those who were HIV-negative. Facilitation and putting HIV-infected people on life-long ART is of importance and has been found to have a positive impact on cervical cancer treatment response. Research on precancerous lesions and cervical cancer management of HIV-seropositive patients focusing on the quality of life of those treated; the effectiveness of the treatment method considering CD4+ count and ART is required.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42018095707.

Efficacy of a chitosan tampon in the loop electrosurgical excision procedure: A prospective randomized controlled study

It has been reported that chitosan has a hemostatic effect and an antibiotic activity. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of using a chitosan tampon (Hemoblock-Tampon) in preventing hemorrhage and enhancing wound healing after the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP).This single-blind, prospective, randomized study included 62 consecutive patients who underwent LEEP for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. A chitosan tampon (31 patients; treatment group), or a general tampon (31 patients; control group) was applied to the uterine cervix immediately after LEEP. One patient in the treatment group declined to participate in this study. Thus, 30 patients in the treatment group and 31 patients in the control group completed this study. For objective analysis of hemorrhage in the postoperative 2 weeks, the amounts of bleeding were checked daily with a pictorial blood assessment chart. We evaluated vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, and impairment in daily living during the postoperative 2 weeks using 5 visual analogue scale questionnaires.The bleeding count was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (21.37 ± 16.86 vs. 40.52 ± 16.55, p = 0.0014). The sum of the scores of the 5 questionnaires was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (6.53 ± 2.84 vs. 8.59 ± 2.88, p = 0.0079). The incidence of vaginal discharge was significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (20.0% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.0207). According to logistic regression, only the use of chitosan tampon reduced the risk of moderate to severe vaginal bleeding 2 weeks after surgery (Odd ratio, 0.213; 95% confidence interval, 0.06-0.76; p = 0.0172). Complete healing of the uterine cervix occurred in 86.7% of patients in the treatment group and in 61.3% of patients in the control group at 4 weeks after surgery (p = 0.0255).The use of chitosan tampons can reduce hemorrhage, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, and impairment of daily living after LEEP. Moreover, chitosan tampon may help enhance wound healing.

Cervical cancer prevention and treatment research in Africa: a systematic review from a public health perspective

BACKGROUND

Women living in Africa experience the highest burden of cervical cancer. Research and investment to improve vaccination, screening, and treatment efforts are critically needed. We systematically reviewed and characterized recent research within a broader public health framework to organize and assess the range of cervical cancer research in Africa.

METHODS

We searched online databases and the Internet for published articles and cervical cancer reports in African countries. Inclusion criteria included publication between 2004 and 2014, cervical cancer-related content pertinent to one of the four public health categories (primary, secondary, tertiary prevention or quality of life), and conducted in or specifically relevant to countries or regions within the African continent. The study design, geographic region/country, focus of research, and key findings were documented for each eligible article and summarized to illustrate the weight and research coverage in each area. Publications with more than one focus (e.g. secondary and tertiary prevention) were categorized by the primary emphasis of the paper. Research specific to HIV-infected women or focused on feasibility issues was delineated within each of the four public health categories.

RESULTS

A total of 380 research articles/reports were included. The majority (54.6 %) of cervical cancer research in Africa focused on secondary prevention (i.e., screening). The number of publication focusing on primary prevention (23.4 %), particularly HPV vaccination, increased significantly in the past decade. Research regarding the treatment of precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer is emerging (17.6 %), but infrastructure and feasibility challenges in many countries have impeded efforts to provide and evaluate treatment. Studies assessing aspects of quality of life among women living with cervical cancer are severely limited (4.1 %). Across all categories, 11.3 % of publications focused on cervical cancer among HIV-infected women, while 17.1 % focused on aspects of feasibility for cervical cancer control efforts.

CONCLUSIONS

Cervical cancer research in African countries has increased steadily over the past decade, but more is needed. Tertiary prevention (i.e. treatment of disease with effective medicine) and quality of life of cervical cancer survivors are two severely under-researched areas. Similarly, there are several countries in Africa with little to no research ever conducted on cervical cancer.

Outcomes Up to 12 Months After Treatment With Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure for Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Among HIV-Infected Women

INTRODUCTION

HIV-infected women may have higher rates of recurrent cervical precancer after treatment. Knowledge about rates and predictors of recurrence could impact guidelines and program planning, especially in low-resource settings.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study in Western Kenya, we followed HIV-infected women at 6 and 12 months after treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or greater (CIN2+) after treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). All women underwent follow-up colposcopy with biopsy as indicated for the diagnosis of CIN2+. We calculated the incidence and predictors of primary disease recurrence after treatment.

RESULTS

Among the 284 women who underwent LEEP and had at least 1 follow-up visit, there were 37 (13%) cases of CIN2+ detected by 12-month follow-up. Four (10.8%) of the recurrences were invasive cancer, all stage IA1. The 6- and 12-month rates of recurrence were 13.7 and 12.8 cases per 100 person-years of follow-up, respectively. Antiretroviral therapy use did not significantly impact the rate of recurrence (hazard ratio: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 0.59 to 2.79). The only significant predictor of recurrence in the multivariate analysis was CD4(+) nadir <200 cells per cubic millimeter (adjusted hazard ratio: 3.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.22 to 8.08).

DISCUSSION

The overall rate of treatment failure within a year of LEEP was low in this cohort of HIV-infected women. Among the women with recurrence, there was a significant amount of invasive cancer. The relatively high rate of cancer after treatment suggests that HIV-infected women merit continued close follow-up after treatment.

A systematic review of the effects of visual inspection with acetic acid, cryotherapy, and loop electrosurgical excision procedures for cervical dysplasia in HIV-infected women in low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer, almost all of which is caused by human papillomavirus, accounts for 12% of female cancers worldwide and is more common among HIV-infected women. Nine of 10 deaths from cervical cancer occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Simple screening methods and outpatient treatment of precursor lesions save lives but the benefit of these interventions among HIV-infected women is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

We reviewed evidence of the effects of screening with visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA), and outpatient treatment for cervical precancer among HIV-infected women in LMIC.

METHODS

A systematic review of articles published from January 1995 through July 2013 was conducted using key terms for VIA cervical screening, cervical precancer treatment with cryotherapy or loop electrosurgical excision procedure, HIV-infected women, low-resource settings, and outcomes, including morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 2159 articles screened, 14 met inclusion criteria; all considered only morbidity outcomes. No articles dealt with the long-term impact of screening/treatment on cervical cancer incidence or mortality among HIV-infected women. Articles reported on performance of VIA, prevalence of cervical dysplasia, and complications and rates of recurrent dysplasia after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Dysplasia prevalence and recurrence were higher among HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected women but morbidity from treatment was similar. Few data exist on long-term outcomes of VIA, cryotherapy, or loop electrosurgical excision procedure interventions among HIV-infected women in LMIC; longer-term outcomes research is needed to assess the effects of VIA or other screening modalities and outpatient treatment on prevention of cervical cancer among HIV-infected women.

Factors associated with recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ after treatment among HIV-infected women in Western Kenya

HIV-infected women are at increased risk for recurrence of cervical dysplasia after treatment. Short-term recurrence rates may reflect treatment efficacy and therefore impact screening protocols and follow-up planning. We conducted a prospective study of 297 HIV-infected women undergoing loop electrosurgical excision procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2+ (CIN2+) in an HIV clinic in Kisumu, Kenya. By 6 months after the procedure, 20 (7.1%) of women had recurrent CIN2+. Recurrence was significantly associated with CD4 nadir but not with highly active antiretroviral therapy use. Longer-term follow-up of this cohort will illustrate the potential impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy and immune status on CIN2/3 disease recurrence.

A comparison of two visual inspection methods for cervical cancer screening among HIV-infected women in Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal strategy for cervical cancer screening in women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection by comparing two strategies: visual inspection of the cervix with acetic acid (VIA) and VIA followed immediately by visual inspection with Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) in women with a positive VIA result.

METHODS

Data from a cervical cancer screening programme embedded in two HIV clinic sites in western Kenya were evaluated. Women at a central site underwent VIA, while women at a peripheral site underwent VIA/VILI. All women positive for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN 2+) on VIA and/or VILI had a confirmatory colposcopy, with a biopsy if necessary. Overall test positivity, positive predictive value (PPV) and the CIN 2+ detection rate were calculated for the two screening methods, with biopsy being the gold standard.

FINDINGS

Between October 2007 and October 2010, 2338 women were screened with VIA and 1124 with VIA/VILI. In the VIA group, 26.4% of the women tested positive for CIN 2+; in the VIA/VILI group, 21.7% tested positive (P < 0.01). Histologically confirmed CIN 2+ was detected in 8.9% and 7.8% (P = 0.27) of women in the VIA and VIA/VILI groups, respectively. The PPV of VIA for biopsy-confirmed CIN 2+ in a single round of screening was 35.2%, compared with 38.2% for VIA/VILI (P = 0.41).

CONCLUSION

The absence of any differences between VIA and VIA/VILI in detection rates or PPV for CIN 2+ suggests that VIA, an easy testing procedure, can be used alone as a cervical cancer screening strategy in low-income settings.

Prevalence, characteristics, and outcomes of HIV-positive women diagnosed with invasive cancer of the cervix in Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and assess access to, and outcomes of, treatment for ICC among HIV-infected women in Kisumu, Kenya.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review to identify women diagnosed with ICC between October 2007 and June 2012, and to examine the impact of a change in the referral protocol. Prior to June 2009, all women with ICC were referred to a regional hospital. After this date, women with stage IA1 disease were offered treatment with loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in-clinic.

RESULTS

Of 4308 women screened, 58 (1.3%) were diagnosed with ICC. The mean age at diagnosis was 34years (range, 22-50years). Fifty-four (93.1%) women had stage IA1 disease, of whom 36 (66.7%) underwent LEEP, 7 (12.9%) had a total abdominal hysterectomy, and 11 (20.4%) had unknown or no treatment. At 6, 12, and 24months after LEEP, 8.0% (2/25), 25.0% (6/24), and 41.2% (7/17) of women had a recurrence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Most HIV-positive women diagnosed with ICC through screening had early-stage disease. The introduction of LEEP in-clinic increased access to treatment; however, recurrence was high, indicating the need for continued surveillance.

Impact of loop electrosurgical excision procedure for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia on HIV-1 genital shedding: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine the impact of the loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) on the rate and magnitude of HIV-1 genital shedding among women undergoing treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3 (CIN2/3).

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

POPULATION

Women infected with HIV-1 undergoing LEEP for CIN2/3 in Kisumu, Kenya.

METHODS

Participants underwent specimen collection for HIV-1 RNA prior to LEEP and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 10, and 14 weeks post-LEEP. HIV-1 viral load was measured in cervical and plasma specimens using commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays, to a lower limit of detection of 40 copies per specimen.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Presence and magnitude of HIV-1 RNA (copies per specimen or cps) in post-LEEP specimens, compared with baseline.

RESULTS

Among women on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), we found a statistically significant increase in cervical HIV-1 RNA concentration at week 2, with a mean increase of 0.43 log10 cps (95% CI 0.03-0.82) from baseline. Similarly, among women not receiving HAART, we found a statistically significant increase in HIV-1 shedding at week 2 (1.26 log10 cps, 95% CI 0.79-1.74). No other statistically significant increase in concentration or detection of cervical HIV-1 RNA at any of the remaining study visits were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

In women infected with HIV undergoing LEEP, an increase in genital HIV shedding was observed at 2 but not at 4 weeks post-procedure. The current recommendation for women to abstain from vaginal intercourse for 4 weeks seems adequate to reduce the theoretical increased risk of HIV transmission following LEEP.

Bolstering the Evidence Base for Integrating Abortion and HIV Care: A Literature Review

HIV-positive women have abortions at similar rates to their HIV-negative counterparts, yet little is known about clinical outcomes of abortion for HIV-positive women or the best practices for abortion provision. To fill that gap, we conducted a literature review of clinical outcomes of surgical and medication abortion among HIV-positive women. We identified three studies on clinical outcomes of surgical abortion among HIV-positive women; none showed significant differences in infectious complications by HIV status. A review of seven articles on similar gynecological procedures found no differences in complications by HIV status. No studies evaluated medication abortion among HIV-positive women. However, we did find that previously expressed concerns regarding blood loss and vomiting related to medication abortion for HIV-positive women are unwarranted based on our review of data showing that significant blood loss and vomiting are rare and short lived among women. We conclude that although there is limited research that addresses clinical outcomes of abortion for HIV-positive women, existing data suggest that medication and surgical abortion are safe and appropriate. Sexual and reproductive health and HIV integration efforts must include both options to prevent maternal mortality and morbidity and to ensure that HIV-positive women and women at risk of HIV can make informed reproductive decisions.