Cervical Cancer Vaccine Shows Promise By Louis Neipris, M.D., HealthAtoZ writer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recommended a vaccine against cervical cancer - the very first against any cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV), the most common sexually transmitted disease. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2007, about 11,150 new cases of invasive cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and 3,670 American women will die from this disease. Even if cervical cancer is detected early, the cure may cause reproductive problems. Known as Gardasil®, the vaccine is expected to save thousands of lives. How effective is the vaccine? The vaccine is very effective against the two HPV sub-types that cause most cervical cancers. The vaccine is also effective against HPV cancers of the vagina and vulva as well as most cases of genital warts. In clinical trials, 18,000 women from all over the world were followed for two years. They have been well-protected by the vaccine, but it isn't yet known how long that protection will last. A "booster shot" may be necessary at some point. How does the vaccine work? The vaccine doesn't contain a live virus. It is made up of harmless proteins, which produce antibodies that block HPV. These proteins can't invade cells or reproduce themselves. In most women, the immune system fights off HPV. In at-risk women, HPV enters cervical cells and changes the DNA, which can lead to cancer. The vaccine prevents the virus from breaking into the cell in the first place. Are there side effects from the vaccine? The only side effects are slight pain and tenderness at the site of the injection and perhaps a low fever. Is the Pap test still necessary? Yes. The vaccine doesn't protect against all HPV strains that cause cervical cancer. All women, immunized or not, should have a Pap test every two years to screen for cervical cancer. This should begin within three years of becoming sexually active. Who should receive the vaccine? The CDC recommends that the vaccine be given routinely to girls 11 or 12 years of age. The CDC also recommends the vaccine for girls as young as 9 years old at their doctors'
discretion. The vaccine holds the greatest benefit for women who receive it before becoming sexually active. However, the CDC also recommends the vaccination for women closer to age 26 as part of a catch-up schedule - regardless of sexual history. The vaccine is still being studied in males to determine if vaccinating them would reduce the spread of HPV. How will the vaccine be given? The vaccine will be given in a series of three shots over six months. It is still uncertain whether the vaccine will be required before attending school. Each state decides whether to make the HPV vaccine mandatory for school attendance. How much does it cost? The list price for the three-shot series is $360, which may or may not be covered by your insurance plan. Sources: Lowy, D. R., Schiller, J.T. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2006; 116(5):1167-1173. U.S. Food and Drug Administration Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Immunization Program
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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