Center Studies
Female HPV Study
Principal Investigator: Marc T. Goodman, PhD

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What is the Female HPV Study?
The Female HPV study, funded by the National Cancer Institute, involves studying Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) among women in Hawai'i. The study will identify factors that affect an HPV infection and may increase the risk of developing cervical cancer, such as the kinds of foods you eat and your immune characteristics. The Principal Investigator is Marc T Goodman, Ph.D.

Who is eligible to participate in the Female HPV Study?
You may qualify for this study if you are female, at least 18 years of age, have been sexually active within the past 6 months, plan to reside on Oahu for two years or more, not currently pregnant or at least 6 months post-partum, have not had surgery for an abnormal Pap smear within the past 18 months, no history of blood-clotting disorders, have not had a hysterectomy, and are not immune compromised (e.g., transplant recipient, HIV-positive, or cancer chemotherapy within 6 months). Women do not have to be infected with HPV to participate in the study.

What does this study involve?
The first study visit will take about 1 1/2 hours. You may be asked to return for follow up study visits, which will take about 1 hour. If so, you will be asked to come for up to 15 visits over a period of 5 years. At each visit you will have a Pap smear and samples (swabs, brushes or washes) taken of your cervix, vulva, and vaginal walls to test for pH level, inflammatory cells, infection with HPV, herpes simplex virus, and to measure small proteins called cytokines that help fight off infection. At each visit the study clinician will also take samples (swabbings) of your hand, mouth, and anus to look for infection with HPV. A fasting blood sample will be taken to measure nutrients and you will be asked questions about yourself and your lifestyle.

What will a participant receive from the Female HPV Study?
You will receive free Pap tests, free HPV testing, a free diet analysis, free parking, and $40 compensation for time and travel. The study will not provide or pay for any treatment.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE STUDY:
Please contact the HPV Study Line at 564-5999
E-mail: hpv@crch.hawaii.edu
Website: www.hawaii.edu/hpv

 

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