US approves anal cancer vaccine
US health authorities have approved a vaccine intended to prevent anal cancer and pre-cancerous lesions in young people aged nine to 26 years old.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave the green light Wednesday to the makers of the vaccine Gardasil, which is already used to treat women with cervical, vulvar, and vaginal cancer, and associated lesions caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6, 11, 16, and 18, officials said.
"Treatment for anal cancer is challenging; the use of Gardasil as a method of prevention is important as it may result in fewer diagnoses and the subsequent surgery, radiation or chemotherapy that individuals need to endure," said Karen Midthun, director of the FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
Although anal cancer is rare in the general population, its occurence is increasing especially among gay men, officials noted.
The American Cancer Society estimates about 5,300 people are diagnosed with anal cancer each year in the United States, with more women diagnosed than men.
(c) 2010 AFP
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The big news would be if they'd open this vaccine up to people older than 26.
Dec 24, 2010
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USA and Swedish statistics show a new wave of these cancers in younger people and non-smokers.
H&N cancers are notoriosly difficult to detect as the primary stage, can be difficult to treat, and a nasty way to die.
My husband was diagnosed aged 47yrs and under went R) cevical node dissection, radiation 33 shots, and concurrent weekly chemo with cisplatin.
Re age of vaccination- ideally it is given before people are sexually active. Within the adult population, 50% have evidence of HPV exposure.
Of course I have had my teen son vaccinated, and my daughter has been vaccinated with free school program.
I hope in the future babies are immunised as infants, as for HepB. And for free (vs $500 Australian)
Dec 30, 2010
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