Vaginal suppositories containing the drug imiquimod can stop the progression of cervical cancer. This has been shown by a study published in the journal. Clinical Cancer Research.
Women should have regular PAP tests to check for cervical cancer (frequency depends on age). This tumor usually develops over many years and can therefore be detected at an early precancerous stage – CIN (cervical dysplasia). A new study shows that women diagnosed with CIN can stop the progression of the cancer with vaginal suppositories containing the drug Imiquimod. This means that many patients can avoid surgery, the most common treatment.
The study included 133 women with grade 2 or 3 CIN. The scientists did not include women with the less severe form of CIN1 because it usually resolves on its own over time and does not require surgery. The patients were divided into three groups: one received only suppositories containing Imiquimod, the second received suppositories and a vaccine against HPV (this virus is responsible for almost all cases of cervical cancer), the third received no treatment and was under the supervision of a doctor. doctors.
In 79% of women with CIN2 who were followed up simply, CIN2 decreased to CIN1. The same thing happened in 95% of those who received Imiquimod. Among women who received both the suppository and the HPV vaccine, the number was slightly lower (84%). According to the researchers, this suggests that the drug and the HPV vaccine may interfere with each other’s effectiveness.
Only a quarter of the participants had CIN3, so it was difficult for scientists to evaluate the effectiveness of Imiquimod in this degree of dysplasia. This will require further research.
Imiquimod is currently approved as a topical cream for the treatment of genital warts. The drug was well tolerated by patients and caused minimal side effects.
Previous scientists was created A vaccine against chlamydia, a sexually transmitted infection that causes blindness and infertility.
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Source: Gazeta
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