Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with most sexually active people contracting it at some point. Most HPV infections clear on their own within two years, but persistent infection with high-risk types can cause cervical, throat, anal, and other cancers. Vaccines now prevent the cancer-causing types.
What's actually going on in research
Trials are testing therapeutic vaccines that help the immune system clear persistent HPV infection, immunotherapies for HPV-driven cancers, better screening methods to detect precancerous changes earlier, and treatment approaches that preserve fertility in young people with cervical precancer. Research also focuses on understanding why some infections persist while others clear naturally.
Therapeutic vaccines
Unlike preventive vaccines, these aim to treat existing HPV infection by training the immune system to attack infected cells. Several are in trials for cervical precancer and HPV-positive head and neck cancers.
Immunotherapy combinations
Checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab show activity against HPV-driven cancers. Trials are testing combinations with chemotherapy, radiation, or other immune drugs to improve response rates.
Fertility-preserving treatments
New approaches use topical therapies or less invasive procedures to treat cervical precancer without the scarring that can affect pregnancy. This matters for young people who haven't completed their families.
What to know before you search
Eligibility typically depends on HPV type, presence of precancer or cancer, prior treatments, and immune system status.
What types of trials are currently open
- Therapeutic vaccine trials — Testing vaccines designed to clear persistent HPV infection or treat precancerous changes in the cervix, anus, or throat.
- Cancer treatment trials — Testing immunotherapies, targeted drugs, and combinations for cervical, anal, throat, and other HPV-related cancers.
- Screening studies — Evaluating new HPV tests, self-collection methods, and artificial intelligence tools to detect precancer earlier and more accurately.
- Prevention trials — Testing vaccine schedules, new vaccine formulations, and strategies to increase vaccination rates in underserved populations.
- Precancer treatment trials — Testing less invasive treatments for cervical, anal, or throat precancer that preserve tissue and fertility.
Recently added Human Papillomavirus Infection trials
Treatment of Recurrent Genital Warts by Combination of CO2 Laser and Geniwa Gel
Phase II, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness and recurrence of genital warts by combination of CO2 laser and Geniwa gel compared to laser CO2 combined with gel placebo. The clinical trial is conducted at National Dermatology Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Lot-to-Lot Consistency Clinical Trial of Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-valent (Types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) Vaccine (Escherichia Coli)
To support international market access and comply with World Health Organization Prequalification requirements, this lot-to-lot consistency trial is planned for initiation. The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate lot-to-lot immunogenicity and safety of Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-valent (Types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) Vaccine (Escherichia Coli) in 18-30 years-old females in China. The main question it aims to answer is: · Is immunogenicity consistent across three commercially produced batches of Recombinant Human Papillomavirus 9-valent (Types 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) Vaccine (Escherichia coli)? Researchers will compare the immune responses at 1 month post full vaccination to see if the lot-to-lot consistency of immunogenicity can be achieved. Participants will: * Visit the clinic site on Month 0, 1, 2, 6 and 7. * Take 3 doses of investigational vaccine on Month 0, 1 and 6. * Provide approximately 5.0 mL venous blood samples on Month 0 and Month 7. * Keep a diary of their adverse events (AEs) within 30 days after each vaccination. * Report serious adverse events (SAEs), adverse events of special interest (AESIs), and pregnancies occurring during the trial.
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