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HPV VACCINE FOUNDFrom the New England Journal of MedicineAn experimental vaccine shows 100 percent effectiveness against cervical cancer, which strikes about 450,000 women worldwide each year, killing about half. A vaccine that could virtually wipe out cervical cancer is expected to be available within five years, researchers said yesterday. Early clinical trials indicate that the experimental vaccine, developed by New Jersey-based Merck & Co., is 100 percent effective against both cervical cancer and genital warts in women who have not yet become sexually active. The findings, based on trials held around the country, are published in today's New England Journal of Medicine. It appears to be the real thing," said Dr. Christopher Crum of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "You're looking at some very compelling evidence that this vaccine will prevent cervical cancer." That disease, which generally affects women between 35 and 55, is the second leading cause of cancer in women worldwide, striking 450,000 annually and killing half. In the United States, where the disease is less prevalent because of Pap smears, it hits about 13,000 women annually, of which about 4,100 die. The experimental vaccine - given in three doses - works by triggering the body's immune system to attack the human papilloma virus (HPV), which has been linked to almost all cases of cervical cancer. Because HPV is transmitted through sexual intercourse, the vaccine would only work in women who have not yet become sexually active. In the initial trials - conducted on almost 2,400 women between 16 and 23 - the vaccine was 100 percent effective at preventing infections from HPV Type 16, the viral strain responsible for almost half the cases of cervical cancer. Since then, a more advanced version of the vaccine has been developed; it tackles another three common strains of HPV. Merck said researchers are now enrolling women in more extensive trials. Because cervical cancer can be caused by almost 20 different HPV strain, it's unclear if it can be totally wiped out. --> return to menu / back ... (click) --> return to top of the page (click) |
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