4.5 years ... and counting.An experimental vaccine that prevents infection with the two strains of human papillomavirus human papillomavirus (HPV), any of a family of more than 60 viruses that cause various growths, including plantar warts and genital warts, a sexually transmitted disease. Detectable warts can be or removed, usually by chemicals, freezing, or laser, but often recur. (HPV HPV human papillomavirus.HPV abbr. human papilloma virus Human papilloma virus (HPV) ) that cause most cases of cervical cancer maintains its effectiveness for at least 4.5 years, according to results of an ongoing study.(1) Throughout the follow-up period, women treated with the vaccine have maintained high levels of HPV 16 and HPV 18 antibodies, and have developed these viral strains at a significantly lower rate than women who received a placebo. The vaccine also appears to offer protection against two other HPV strains. Women who received the vaccine have reported fewer adverse health events than have those who received a placebo, perhaps, according to the investigators, because they have had fewer cytologic cytological, cytologic pertaining to cytology. cytological examination examination of material for purposes of cytology. Carried out on cerebrospinal fluid, joint fluid, aspirates of body cavities and cystic lesions. abnormalities. The researchers conclude that their findings "set the stage for the widescale adoption of HPV vaccination for prevention of cervical cancer." (1.) Harper DM et al., Sustained efficacy up to 4.5 years of a bivalent bivalent /bi·va·lent/ (bi-va´lent) 1. divalent. 2. the structure formed by a pair of homologous chromosomes by synapsis along their length during the zygotene and pachytene stages of the first meiotic prophase. L1 virus-like particle vaccine against human papillomavirus types 16 and 18: follow-up from a randomised Adj. 1. randomised - set up or distributed in a deliberately random way randomized irregular - contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice; "irregular hiring practices" control trial, Lancet, 2006, <http://download.thelancet .com/pdfs/journals/0140-6736/PIIS0140673606684390.pdf>, accessed Apr. 10,2006. |
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