POPLINE Document Number: 121030
Author(s):
Munoz N
Bosch FX
Source citation:
BULLETIN OF THE PAN AMERICAN HEALTH ORGANIZATION, 1996 Dec;30(4):362-77.
Abstract:
A review of available case-control and cohort studies suggests a causal association between certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer. Case-control studies using highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction-based assays have detected HPV DNA prevalences of 90-94% in women with invasive cervical cancer and odds ratios over 15. Of the 30 types of HPV that infect the uterine cervix, HPV 16 and 18 are associated with the highest proportions (50% and 12%, respectively) of cervical cancers. Prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines are now under development, although their efficacy and safety must be assessed in phase I, II, and III trials, and HPV typing is being integrated into pilot study screening programs in selected developed countries. Until a vaccine is available, HPV testing as a primary screening tool or to support cytologic examination remains the best approach for the control of cervical cancer in developing countries. Although there is no effective treatment once HPV is detected, cytologic surveillance of carriers of high-risk HPV types can be initiated.
Keywords:
Developing CountriesIndex page
Literature Review
HPV
Cervical Cancer
Laboratory Examinations and Diagnoses
Screening
Prevention and Control
Viral Diseases
Diseases
Cancer
Neoplasms
Examinations and Diagnoses