Are you planning a

kidney transplant?

People who receive a kidney transplant must begin taking medications after their transplant surgery to help keep the body from “fighting off” the new kidney, but they also lower the body’s immune system as a side effect. This can make it harder for the body to fight off infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV). Because of this, men and women who have transplant surgery are at a higher risk of developing cancers that are caused by HPV, such as cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, throat, and anal cancers. Researchers believe that receiving the Gardasil vaccine before transplant surgery happens may protect transplant recipients from HPV and the cancers it causes.

Preventive Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine Trial in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Principal Investigator: Marc T. Goodman, Ph.D, M.P.H.
Cedars Sinai Medical Center

We are conducting a study to look at the effects of a vaccine that prevents human papillomavirus (HPV) among people who receive kidney transplants. The Gardasil®9HPV vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing HPV infection that causes these cancers when given to people up to the age of 45.

In this study, we want to test if giving the Gardasil® 9 vaccine before receiving a kidney transplant will continue to protect the body against HPV infection, even when the person takes medication to suppress the immune system after their transplant.

We know that transplant surgeries can be uncertain, so this study has different options for participation:

All participants may be reimbursed for their time. Parking and mileage to and from the study appointments will also be reimbursed. We will enroll up to 180 volunteers in this study.

You may be eligible if you:

Are between the ages of 18 and 49 and not pregnant
Are expecting to receive a kidney transplant within the next 12 months
Having a potentially compatible donor, OR have a high priority on the transplant waiting list to receive a deceased donor kidney.

Study Locations:

-Los Angeles, CA - Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

-San Francisco, CA - University of California at San Francisco

-Birmingham, AL - University of Alabama Birmingham

-Chapel Hill, NC - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

If you think you may be eligible, click below to fill out a contact form and we’ll make sure you get matched with the right study team.

This trial is being sponsored by the National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Prevention and coordinated by Northwestern University.