New Treatments & Clinical Trials for Human Papillomavirus Infection

Human papillomavirus infection is extremely common — most sexually active people get it at some point. Most infections clear on their own within two years, but some high-risk HPV types can cause cervical cancer, head and neck cancers, and other cancers. Vaccination prevents infection, and regular screening catches cervical changes early.

What's actually going on in research

Trials are testing therapeutic vaccines that help the immune system clear persistent HPV infections, immune checkpoint inhibitors for HPV-related cancers, and combination approaches pairing vaccines with immunotherapy. Researchers are also studying better screening methods, treatment for pre-cancerous cervical changes, and ways to identify who's at highest risk for cancer.

What to know before you search

Eligibility typically depends on HPV type, whether infection has caused cellular changes or cancer, site of disease, and prior treatments.

What types of trials are currently open

• Therapeutic vaccine trials — Testing vaccines designed to clear persistent HPV infections or treat pre-cancerous changes in the cervix or other sites.
• Immunotherapy trials — Testing checkpoint inhibitors and other immune drugs for HPV-related cancers of the cervix, throat, anus, and other sites.
• Treatment trials for pre-cancer — Testing less invasive treatments for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, such as topical medications or targeted ablation.
• Screening and prevention studies — Testing new HPV tests, self-collection methods, and ways to predict which infections need treatment.
• Observational studies — Following people with HPV to understand why some infections clear and others persist, and what factors increase cancer risk.