Can an HPV Vaccine Be Used to Treat Cervical Lesions at Risk of Becoming Cancerous?

Cervical cancer is among the most important oncological problems, particularly in developed countries. Recent studies have shown that Human PapillomaVirus (HPV) infection is its greatest cause. When the earliest stages of cancer development are detected, referred to as precursor cells, in situ cancer or cervical neoplasia, the treatments currently available are extremely limited. These situations are generally addressed through procedures such as partial resection or freezing of the area. However, cancer recurrence is observed in a substantial proportion of monitored patients.

Studies to date have made very little progress in medical treatment that can reverse cells beginning to become cancerous. For the first time worldwide, a therapeutic, meaning treatment-oriented, vaccine against HPV has been developed, and a study published in The Lancet reported successful results. This is extremely encouraging for the oncology community and women. A medical vaccine can halt and reverse the process of cancer development, which is extremely important for the future incidence of uterine cancer.

In Recent Years, HPV Vaccines Developed for Cervical Cancer Have Become Very Popular and Have Almost Become Established Among Preventive Treatments in Developed Countries

Cervical cancer is the world's 11th most common cancer and the 9th leading cancer cause of death. Preventability of a cancer is extremely important. Vaccination during childhood can now prevent nearly % 70-80 of cervical cancers. When a condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (also known as SİN or CIN) , the first step in the transition to cervical cancer, is identified in people who have undergone this vaccination process, reversing it with a therapeutic vaccine is extremely important.

The study enrolled 167 individuals. Of these, 125 received the cervical cancer vaccine called VGX-3100, while 42 did not. The results showed a difference compared with the other group that was almost clearly sufficient to satisfy the oncology community. These findings are the first sign of progress in this field. This therapeutic vaccine, developed particularly against HPV 16 and 18, the leading causes of cervical cancer, is extremely promising for the future.

The study emphasizes that the most important measure to prevent cervical cancer in the future is the preventive vaccine before the therapeutic vaccine. Vaccinating children and young girls, and nowadays boys too, particularly after age 10, can prevent a cancer type that might develop later in life.