Can a plasma beam stop anal lesions from becoming cancer?

NCT ID NCT00428285

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Summary

This phase II trial is testing whether argon plasma coagulation (APC) can safely and effectively treat high-grade anal lesions (AIN 2/3) in HIV-positive men who have sex with men. APC uses ionized argon gas to deliver a controlled electrical current that destroys abnormal cells. The study will enroll 20 participants and assess how well the procedure clears the lesions, as well as its tolerability and safety.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Argon plasma coagulation (APC), a procedure that uses ionized argon gas to destroy abnormal cells in the anal lining.
What this could lead to: If effective, APC could offer a safe, well-tolerated treatment option to prevent anal cancer in HIV-positive men with high-grade lesions.
What could go wrong: This is a small pilot study with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The procedure may cause discomfort or side effects, and its long-term effectiveness is not yet proven.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anus neoplasm HIV infectious disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANUS NEOPLASMS HIV INFECTIONS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Notre-Dame Hospital (Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal)

Montreal, Quebec, H2L 4M1, Canada
Royal Victoria Hospital (McGill University Health Center)

Montreal, Quebec, H2X 2P4, Canada

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