For Cancers Caused by HPV, Two Vaccines Were Just the Beginning

Extract

When two vaccines to prevent cervical cancer reached the market several years ago, it was for once a true breakthrough and a landmark for cancer prevention research. But not, it appears, the last word.

Researchers are now working intensely on other ways to prevent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), which causes virtually all cervical cancer and a substantial portion of several other malignancies. Clinical trials are under way, or will soon start, to test improved versions of the first-generation vaccines (Gardasil and Cervarix), second-generation vaccines that could afford broader protection at lower cost, and microbicides to be used topically to prevent infection with HPV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Stepped-up efforts are also taking place to increase use of the current vaccines.

“There's stuff moving along,” said John Schiller, Ph.D., a senior investigator at the National Cancer Institute whose work led to development of the current vaccines. But experts are worried that these efforts—as exciting as they are—could be a double-edged sword. “We have to be sure we don’t take away the responsibility of public health officials to deliver the current vaccines because they believe something better is coming along,” Schiller said.