A new vaccine released over the summer promises a cure for the second most common type of cancer in women. The vaccine targets the human papilloma virus (HPV), a sexually-transmitted virus which has been linked to many cases of cervical cancer.
It is estimated that millions of people infected with HPV are unaware of it because there are often no signs or symptoms. Of the more than 100 types of HPV, only a few cause cervical cancer and genital warts. Most strains are thought to be completely harmless.
Recently the FDA approved an HPV vaccination produced by Merck, called Gardasila8, and strongly recommended its use for young women. The vaccine is intended for girls and women between the ages of nine and 26, regardless of whether they are sexually active.
The vaccine prevents squamous intraepithelial lesions (SILs), which are precancerous lesions of the cervix. It does so by promoting immunity against HPV types 16 and 18, which are associated with about 70 percent of cervical cancers, as well as types six and 11, which are linked to genital warts.
Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers to be caused primarily by viral infection. This is the first time a vaccine has been developed to prevent a common cancer.
Doctors administer the vaccine in three injections over a period six-month period. Immunity is acquired about a month after the last shot, and the vaccine is supposed to remain effective for at least five years. The entire vaccination course costs about $360.
Early clinical studies suggest the vaccination may lead to an almost 100 percent protection against infection by the four common strains of HPV.
Ideally, women should receive the vaccine before they are sexually active. The vaccine is most effective in women who have not yet acquired any of the four HPV types covered by the vaccine. This is also the best-studied group.
The release of the vaccine has taken on the urgency of a major public health crusade. There is currently an extensive advertising campaign to raise awareness among men and women about HPV and its link to cancer.
Public reaction to the vaccine has been mixed. Many women's organizations and medical societies have applauded the developments as a great step forward for female health. However some conservative groups fear the vaccine will promote sexual activity among teenage girls.
Senior Blair Abelson, a public health major, was hopeful about the potential benefits of the treatment. "The HPV vaccine is a positive step forward in the fight against cervical cancer." She added, "Protecting all women in society from a preventable cancer cannot be a bad thing."
Allie Foster, a senior art history major expressed concern. "The vaccine is good, but, like birth control, could possibly be detrimental in that it gives girls another excuse to have sex because they know they have that extra cushion of protection."
Access to the vaccine is expanding. Many private insurance companies are now covering the cost of the vaccination. Merck has announced it is starting a program to help disadvantaged women pay for the vaccine.
Experts caution that the vaccine does not prevent all types of cervical cancer, nor can it cure cervical cancer once it develops. Over 30 types of HPV exist, though the four strains targeted by the vaccine are the most common.
30 percent of cervical cancers result from viral strains against which the vaccine does not protect. Women are therefore being urged to continue having regular Pap smears to diagnose cervical cancers, even after they are vaccinated.
