Scientists have completed the second phase of testing of the vaccine for human papillomavirus (HPV) varieties associated with 70% of cervical cancers and 90% of genital warts.

277 women were given the vaccine. Patients were observed for 36 months and regularly had gynecological examination, cervicovaginal sampling for HPV DNA, pap testing and testing for serum antibodies to HPV.

The results showed the incidence of HPV types 6,11,16,or 18 reduced by 90% for those who were given the vaccine against those who did not receive anything. Hence researchers are of the opinion that the vaccine could successfully reduce the incidence of cervical cancer caused by certain HPV varieties.

Cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) effects almost 5,00,000 women every year. The virus causes lesions that if not treated properly, develop into cancer. The new vaccine, which may be available to general population as early as next year, will bring relief to many dying from this disease.

Researchers of Brazil and US had conducted the trials jointly. The results of this study was published in latest issue of The Lancet Oncology.

Reference: The Lancet Oncology, issue April 2005