Brightsurf Science News and Current Science News Events
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Worldwide distribution of cervical cancer virus is consistent with vaccine targets

Worldwide distribution of cervical cancer virus is consistent with vaccine targets

August 02, 2007

CHAPEL HILL -- The variety of human papilloma viruses that cause invasive cervical cancer cases worldwide are largely consistent across continents, according to a new study from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

This finding means that prophylactic vaccines currently available against these two most prevalent types of human papillomavirus (HPV) -- which can cause cervical cancer -- could prevent about 70 percent of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) cases around the world, the researchers found.




"Our data confirm that HPV types 16 and 18 are the most common in invasive cancer and strengthen the data on the estimated number of cases that could be prevented with vaccination," said lead study author Jennifer Smith, Ph.D., a research assistant professor of epidemiology in the UNC School of Public Health and a member of the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. "As a result of this analysis, we now have additional information about other high-risk HPV types that cause invasive cancer to target for future HPV vaccine development."

The results were published in the Aug. 1, 2007, issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can cause high-grade cervical lesions, increasing a woman's risk of developing invasive cervical cancer. There are approximately 14 high-risk types of HPV that cause invasive cervical cancer, Smith explains. The two most common types are 16 and 18, named for their genetic patterns. These virus types are responsible for about 70 percent of invasive cervical cancer and 50 percent of high-grade lesions worldwide, the study shows.

To estimate the prevalence of different virus types in cancer, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of data on the distribution of HPV infection in more than 14,000 invasive and 7,000 high-grade cases throughout the world. A meta-analysis combines statistics from smaller studies to develop information with greater statistical significance.

The scientists reported that ICC HPV16 was the most common, and HPV18 the second most-common type in all continents. Combined HPV 16/18 prevalence among ICC cases was slightly higher in Europe, North America and Australia, from 74 to 77 percent, than in Africa, Asia and South/Central America, where the rates were between 65 and 70 percent. Data on HPV-typed ICC and high-grade lesions were particularly scarce from large regions of Africa and Central Asia.

Gardasil, a Merck & Co. vaccine approved last year by the Food and Drug Administration, protects against HPV 16 and 18. A similar vaccine developed by GlaxoSmithKline also protects against these types of HPV.

"While having these vaccines represents a significant step forward, HPV-vaccinated women will need to receive clear messages that they still need to obtain their recommended Pap smears for cervical cancer prevention, given that HPV vaccines will not prevent all invasive cancer or high-grade lesions," Smith said.

Other study authors include: Brooke Hoots and Jessica Keys, in the UNC School of Public Health's department of epidemiology; Lisa Lindsay of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals in Belgium; Silvia Franceschi and Gary Clifford, with the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon, France; and Rachel Winer, at the University of Washington.

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill



Related Cervical Cancer News Articles Cervical Cancer News and Current Cervical Cancer Events RSS Cervical Cancer News and Current Cervical Cancer Events RSS
Cervical cancer prevention should focus on vaccinating adolescent girls
The cost-effectiveness of vaccination in the United States against human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer, will be optimized by achieving universal vaccine coverage in young adolescent girls, by targeting initial "catch-up" efforts to vaccinate women younger than 21 years of age, and by revising current screening policies.

Breaking the 'mucus barrier' with a new drug delivery system
Chemical engineers from Johns Hopkins University have broken the "mucus barrier," engineering the first drug-delivery particles capable of passing through human mucus - regarded by many as nearly impenetrable - and carrying medication that could treat a range of diseases. Those conditions include lung cancer, cervical cancer and cystic fibrosis, the research noted in a presentation scheduled for the 236th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

Novel structure proteins could play a role in apoptosis
Isoforms from Novel Structure Proteins (NSP), a new family of genes discovered by researchers in the Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine in Temple University's College of Science and Technology, could be involved in apoptosis or programmed cell death.

Obese women in Canada are less likely to be screened for cervical cancer
Research in the United States has shown that obese people are less likely than their normal-weight peers to undergo screening for breast, colon and cervical cancer. Raj Padwal, Rebecca Mitchell and Scott Klarenbach, from the University of Alberta's Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, have undertaken a study to see if this trend is also true in Canada.

New study shows potential to treat or prevent viral cancers
A new study, presented at the SNM 55th Annual Meeting, shows that radioimmunotherapy (RIT) targeting viral antigens offers a novel option to treat-or even prevent-many viral cancers by targeting cancer cells expressing viral antigens or infected cells before they convert into malignancy.

Avoiding Spleen Removal for Cooley's Anemia Sufferers
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College may have discovered the precise role of a gene in one of the world's most common blood disorders, beta-thalassemia, commonly known as Cooley's anemia.

Estrogen Helps Drive Distinct, Aggressive Form of Prostate Cancer
Using a breakthrough technology, researchers led by a Weill Cornell Medical College scientist have pinpointed the hormone estrogen as a key player in about half of all prostate cancers.

UNC study firms up promise of potential new cervical cancer screening tool
New research into the causes of cervical cancer appears to lend weight to the promise of a potential early detection method that could help prevent the disease.

Mothers less likely to pursue HPV vaccination for youngest daughters
Because the first national study of its kind has found that U.S. mothers report they are less likely to vaccinate daughters under age 13 against human papillomavirus virus (HPV), even though the vaccine is recommended for girls at age 11 and 12, it's incumbent upon the healthcare community to work to improve mom's acceptance of the vaccination for younger daughters, say researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center who conducted the study. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus known to cause cervical cancer.

Viruses may play a role in lung cancer development
Papers presented at the 1st European Lung Cancer Conference, jointly organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) in Geneva, Switzerland highlight emerging evidence that common viruses may contribute to the development of lung cancer.
More Cervical Cancer News Articles


100 Questions & Answers Abourt Cervical Cancer (100 Questions & Answers about . . .) (100 Questions & Answers)
by Don S. Dizon, Paul DiSilvestro, Michael L., M.D. Krychman

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...



Women at Risk: The HPV Epidemic and Your Cervical Health
by Gregory Henderson M.D. Ph.D, Batya Swift Yasgur

This important book explains one of the most dangerous, yet relatively unknown, sexually transmitted diseases-human papillomavirus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer. Written by a leading expert in pathology, Women at Risk demystifies the disorders caused by HPV that affect cervical health, including genital warts, cervical dysplasia, and cancer. It discusses the importance of the Pap...



Virtually Virgins: Sexual Strategies and Cervical Cancer in Recife, Brazil
by Jessica Gregg

This book provides a detailed, intimate portrait of a community of women living in a shantytown (favela) in northeastern Brazil, while exploring the complex interplay between gender, sexuality, power, and disease. It reveals how poor Brasileiras are constrained by dominant cultural constructions of female sexuality as a dangerous force that must be controlled by men; yet these women also...



An Energetic Approach to Oncology (Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy, Volume 5)

The information contained within the Chinese Medical Qigong Therapy: A Comprehensive Clinical Text has currently been tripled, and formatted into five exciting new textbooks. The five new Medical Qigong textbooks are composed of both modern and ancient knowledge, graphics and expanded techniques guaranteed to fascinate and intrigue the reader. Never before in the history of Chinese Medicine has a...



What Every Woman Should Know about Cervical Cancer
by Nenad Markovic, Olivera Markovic

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 “opportunity” 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...



Fundamentals of Pap Test Cytology (Current Clinical Pathology)
by Rana S. Hoda, Syed A. Hoda

Fundamentals of Pap Test Cytology is intended as a practical primer on the Pap test. Using bold text, tables, and highlighted areas, this book offers readers a user-friendly text on Pap test fundamentals so readers may find specific information effortlessly. This book begins with a basic dictionary of terms, principles, and anatomy before detailing such issues as the Bethesda System, liquid-based...

An Afrocentric Approach to Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Screening: An Educational Program for Undergraduate and Advanced Practice Nursing Students
by Phyllis Johnson, Patricia Cotanch, Jackie Williams



The Bethesda System for Reporting Cervical/Vaginal Cytologic Diagnoses: Definitions, Criteria, and Explanatory Notes for Terminology and Specimen Ad
by Robert J. Kurman, Diane Solomon

An essential guide to the NCI's classification system for reporting cervical/vaginal cytologic diagnoses, including definitions, criteria, and explanatory notes for terminology and specimen adequacy. Contains 61 high quality full-color plates closely reflecting criteria discussed to facilitate uniform application of TBS in the...



Handbook of GYN Oncology
by Joseph T. Santoso, Robert L. Coleman

This handy pocket resource concisely outlines need-to-know information on types of gynecologic cancers, complications management, surgical procedures, peri-operative care, chemotherapy, radiation oncology, and surgical nutrition. Tables, algorithms, checklists, and important formulas are included...



Crying in the Shower-Cervical Cancer
by Pamela Ayer

My book contains my personal story from the day of detection of cervical cancer until the day I became a cancer...

© 2008 BrightSurf.com