UAB reaction to Lancet study on human papilloma virus (HPV)

Apr 10 2005

The prominent British medical journal Lancet published results of a clinical trial on a vaccine for human papilloma virus (HPV) The virus is a leading cause of cervical cancer and genital warts.

Results of the randomized trial suggest that the vaccine could reduce persistent infection and disease by 90 percent. UAB researchers are participating in four national and international clinical trials addressing HPV vaccine efficacy and reliable testing methods. UAB serves as a major enrollment site for two of the trials.

UAB principal investigator Warner K. Huh, M.D., a gynecological oncologist, is available for interviews and made the following comments:

“These results definitively tie into the current UAB trial since the vaccine is similar in that it targets against the more common carcinogenic HPV viral types: 16 and 18. In addition, it has proven to be effective in initialstudies. This study represents additional evidence of the efficacy against HPV- and HPV-associated infections and pre-cancerous lesions. The clinical evidence thus far is strong and convincing that these novel vaccines are safe and effective.”