 |
|
Study shows continued success for new HPV vaccine against virus responsible for cervical cancer
May 10, 2007A new vaccine aimed at preventing cervical cancer is nearly 100 percent effective against the two types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) responsible for most cases of cervical cancer. Results of a nationwide study of the vaccine will be published in the May 9 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide, resulting in nearly half a million diagnoses and 240,000 deaths each year. Every day in the United States ten women die from cervical cancer, according to Kevin Ault MD, associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University School of Medicine, and one of the study authors.
But for the next generation of young women, a series of three shots of a new HPV vaccine marketed by Merck under the name Gardasil could make the difference in preventing cervical cancer. The vaccine targets HPV types 16 and 18, which cause about 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer. It also targets HPV types 6 and 11, which together cause about 90 percent of all cases of genital warts.
Researchers at more than a dozen international medical centers evaluated the efficacy of quadrivalent vaccine targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 in more than 12,000 women ages 15 to 26 in 13 countries for nearly three years. They found a near 100 percent efficacy rate in prevention of HPV types 16 and 18.
"It's the first vaccine designed specifically to prevent cancer," says Dr. Ault, one of the authors of the study and a key researcher in the development of the vaccine. "The two main things to emphasize are the vaccine efficacy and the safety. These clinical trials have consistent efficacy around 98 percent. And severe reactions to the vaccine appear to be rare.
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 20 million men and women in the US are infected with HPV, and more than six million new infections are reported each year, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease in the nation.
"Nearly all sexually active people are going to get exposed to the virus sometime during their lives," says Dr. Ault. "For most people, HPV causes no complications and goes away on its own. However, in some cases, if left untreated, certain high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
"The goal of the study was to see if we could prevent precancerous cases and we were 98 percent effective. Everyone who gets cancer goes through a pre-cancerous stage," says Ault. "There are about 50 to 60 million pap smears performed each year in the US, and about seven percent are abnormal. We spend about 3 billion dollars each year to find and treat these pre-cancerous stages caused by some type of HPV."
To date there is no vaccine specifically designed to treat disease that is already established. Dr. Ault explains the current HPV vaccine is meant to be a preventive or prophylactic vaccine - that's why it is given to adolescents.
Gardasil was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year for use in females 9 to 26 years of age. While controversy has been raised about giving pre-adolescent girls a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease, Dr. Ault argues, "young women, young girls make very good immune responses to this vaccine, so that will enhance their protection."
Researchers believe the vaccine will be effective in lowering a girl's lifetime risk of cervical cancer. To that end Merck launched the national "One Less" campaign last year, which encourages females eligible for the vaccine to begin their vaccination series of three shots over six months and to continue seeing their doctor for regular checkups and screenings.
Emory University
Researchers at more than a dozen international medical centers evaluated the efficacy of quadrivalent vaccine targeting HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18 in more than 12,000 women ages 15 to 26 in 13 countries for nearly three years. They found a near 100 percent efficacy rate in prevention of HPV types 16 and 18.
"It's the first vaccine designed specifically to prevent cancer," says Dr. Ault, one of the authors of the study and a key researcher in the development of the vaccine. "The two main things to emphasize are the vaccine efficacy and the safety. These clinical trials have consistent efficacy around 98 percent. And severe reactions to the vaccine appear to be rare.
According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 20 million men and women in the US are infected with HPV, and more than six million new infections are reported each year, making it the most common sexually transmitted disease in the nation.
"Nearly all sexually active people are going to get exposed to the virus sometime during their lives," says Dr. Ault. "For most people, HPV causes no complications and goes away on its own. However, in some cases, if left untreated, certain high-risk types of HPV can lead to cervical cancer.
"The goal of the study was to see if we could prevent precancerous cases and we were 98 percent effective. Everyone who gets cancer goes through a pre-cancerous stage," says Ault. "There are about 50 to 60 million pap smears performed each year in the US, and about seven percent are abnormal. We spend about 3 billion dollars each year to find and treat these pre-cancerous stages caused by some type of HPV."
To date there is no vaccine specifically designed to treat disease that is already established. Dr. Ault explains the current HPV vaccine is meant to be a preventive or prophylactic vaccine - that's why it is given to adolescents.
Gardasil was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last year for use in females 9 to 26 years of age. While controversy has been raised about giving pre-adolescent girls a vaccine for a sexually transmitted disease, Dr. Ault argues, "young women, young girls make very good immune responses to this vaccine, so that will enhance their protection."
Researchers believe the vaccine will be effective in lowering a girl's lifetime risk of cervical cancer. To that end Merck launched the national "One Less" campaign last year, which encourages females eligible for the vaccine to begin their vaccination series of three shots over six months and to continue seeing their doctor for regular checkups and screenings.
Emory University
Cervical Cancer Current Events and Cervical Cancer News RSS1 disease, not 1 demographic
The Asian continent has nearly four billion people living in 47 different countries, and each of these groups has their own unique set of health issues. But when they come to the United States, they're often lumped into one large demographic: "Asian/Pacific Islander."
Alternatively spliced tissue factor identified as promising new biomarker for aggressive cancers
A recently discovered form of the protein that triggers blood clotting may play a key role in the molecular mechanisms leading to the growth of certain metastatic cancers, according to new research reported by an international team of scientists.
M. D. Anderson redefines screening guidelines for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers
Drawing on years of experience in cancer research and patient care, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center released today the most comprehensive, risk-based screening guidelines publicly available to date for breast, cervical and colorectal cancers.
Study finds delay in follow-up among African-American women receiving abnormal breast finding
A new analysis has identified a significant delay in follow-up times among African-American women after the finding of a suspicious breast abnormality.
UIC study finds girls aware of HPV vaccine's benefits
Contrary to concerns that the human papillomavirus vaccine might promote promiscuity, a national survey of girls and young women found that the majority of respondents did not believe the HPV vaccine protected them against other sexually transmitted infections.
Scientists identify common HPV genotypes in northern India, encourage vaccination
Although a wide spectrum of human papillomavirus is seen across the population of India, HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most common types and a vaccination targeting these types could eliminate 75 percent of the cervical cancers in the region.
Vaccinating boys against human papillomavirus not cost-effective
Persistent infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted virus, is known to be a cause of cervical cancer.
Vaccination and testing for the human papilloma virus could eradicate cervical cancer
Cervical cancer could be eradicated within the next 50 years if countries implement national screening programmes based on detection of the human papilloma virus (HPV), which causes the disease, together with vaccination programmes against the virus, according to a cervical cancer screening expert.
Targeted heat therapy offers new standard treatment option for soft tissue sarcoma
Patients with soft-tissue sarcomas at high risk of spreading were 30% more likely to be alive and cancer free almost three years after starting treatment if their tumours were heated at the time they received chemotherapy, according to new research.
Even in a safety net health system, colorectal cancer screening disparities remain
Colorectal cancer screening rates are much lower among those in a safety net health system compared to the national average, and the number one predictor of screening is a combination of regular visits and insurance access.
More Cervical Cancer Current Events and Cervical Cancer News Articles
 |
100 Questions & Answers Abourt Cervical Cancer (100 Questions & Answers about . . .) by Don S. Dizon (Author) The only text to provide both the patient and doctor views, 100 Questions & Answers About Cervical Cancer aims to provide a much needed primer for patients and their families and aims to address the questions most relevant to a woman following a diagnosis of pre-invasive changes or invasive cervical cancer. This text gives up-to-date, authoritative, practical answers to your questions about cervical cancer; not only the diagnosis and treatment of the disease, but also female survivorship. This is an invaluable resource for anyone coping with the physical and emotional turmoil of this disease. |
 |
Crying in the Shower-Cervical Cancer by Pamela Ayer (Author) My book contains my personal story from the day of detection of cervical cancer until the day I became a cancer survivor. |
 |
What Every Woman Should Know about Cervical Cancer by Nenad Markovic (Author), Olivera Markovic (Author) Recent introduction of HPV vaccines has raised hopes for immunization against cervical cancer and for the first time in the history of humanity for eradication of one malignant disease. This new âopportunityâ has changed many current views on cervical cancer prevention, control diagnosis and treatment. Many canons and guidelines became subject of review and many revisions are coming. This book is intended to summarize most of these events and to present them to all women in a language understandable by the eneral public. We expect the book will bring all readers the rationale for optimism and will provide guidance as how to gain knowledge and skills for critical thinking and making an educated decision when it will be necessary in their lives. |
 |
Damaged Goods?: Women Living With Incurable Sexually Transmitted Diseases by Adina Nack (Author) How do women living with genital herpes and/or HPV (human papillomavirus) infections see themselves as sexual beings, and what choices do they make about sexual health issues? Adina Nack, a medical sociologist who specializes in sexual health and social psychology, conducted in-depth interviews with 43 women about their identities and sexuality with regard to chronic illness. The result is a fascinating book about an issue that affects millions around the world, but is all too little discussed. "Damaged Goods?" adds to our knowledge of how women are affected by living with chronic STDs and reveals the stages of their sexual self-transformation. From the anxiety of being diagnosed with an STD to issues of blame and shame, Nack - herself diagnosed with a cervical HPV infection - shows why... |
 |
Fight Against Cervical Cancer T-shirt Large White by Shop Zeus |
 |
Beating Cervical Cancer Together Keychain by Design a Product LLC Text on keychain: Beating Cervical Cancer Together * Durable acrylic key chain is crystal-clear and double-sided so the artwork or message is seen twice. * Sturdy metal ring holds your keys securely. * Full color printed images or messages are included. * If you have new ideas or need help selecting text for your custom keychains please contact us. * Size: 2 1/8" x 3 1/2" (Approx. business card) |
 |
100 Pack Teal Blue Ribbon Temporary Tattoos for Ovarian Cervical Uterine Cancer Awareness by Palmetto Fundraising Show your courage and support! These teal ribbon tattoos are perfect for your next awareness event. These tattoos make great inspirational giveaways. 100 tattoos per package. Teal ribbon design with clear sides. Approximately 1.5" x 2". These cancer awareness favors are perfect for your awareness fundraisers or event. |
 |
Say Something! Help End Cervical Cancer 1 DVD and 1 Resource CD Two Cervical Cancer Survivors say something and save lives Editor Producer: Tamika Felder |
 |
Cervical Cancer Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Cervical Cancer Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Cervical Cancer Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Cervical Cancer Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
 |
Cervical Cancer (Deadly Diseases and Epidemics) by Juliet Spencer (Author) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |