Alternative to surgery for cervical cancer: Researchers are testing a new vaccine to combat the disease.

The new therapeutic vaccine Vvax001 has shown significant promise in treating precancerous lesions of the cervix, emerging as a potential alternative to surgical intervention, researchers stated in their recent scientific paper. During Phase II clinical trials conducted by the University Medical Center Groningen in the Netherlands, the vaccine demonstrated a 50% success rate in reducing or eliminating high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3), a serious precursor to cervical cancer, according to ScienceBlog.

The study, published in the journal Clinical Cancer Research, highlighted the vaccine's potential to transform the existing treatment paradigm for thousands of women. According to the lead investigator, Dr. Refika Yigit, CIN3 lesions represent a pressing medical issue, as nearly one-third of untreated cases progress to cervical cancer within 10 years, and half within 30 years.

The study involved 18 patients with HPV16-positive CIN3 who received three doses of Vvax001 over nine weeks. Significant regression was observed in nine of them, with six regressing to low-grade dysplasia and three experiencing complete disappearance of the lesions. Furthermore, the size of the lesions decreased in all participants except one, and ten out of sixteen evaluated patients showed disappearance of the primary HPV16 infection—a critical factor in preventing recurrence.

The vaccine employs a modified version of the Semliki Forest virus, designed to produce proteins specific to HPV16-infected cells without replication, triggering an immune response selectively targeting infected tissues while preserving healthy cells.

Researchers also reported no serious side effects, with adverse reactions limited to mild discomfort at the injection site and temporary fatigue. This safety profile contrasts with surgical excision, which, despite its effectiveness, can lead to complications such as cervical integrity issues and increased health risks during pregnancy.

In four of the nine patients whose lesions did not completely regress, residual disease persisted even after standard surgical treatment. This suggests that long-term monitoring of patients post-vaccination could lead to natural resolution of lesions in a greater number of cases.

Moreover, among the treated patients, no recurrence of the disease was reported after 20 months of observation, indicating long-term protection, although larger studies with extended follow-up are needed to confirm this, the authors caution.

Current treatment methods for CIN3 are based on surgical excision, which may pose risks for women of childbearing age, including an increased likelihood of preterm delivery and fertility-related complications. If Vvax001 is validated in larger trials, it could enable many patients to avoid surgical treatment, preserving reproductive health and avoiding complications.

According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer remains a significant global issue, with HPV being the cause of over 95% of cases. Vaccines like Vvax001 could become an essential tool in combating this disease, especially in settings with limited access to surgical care.

Important! This article is based on the latest scientific and medical research and does not contradict them. The text is for informational purposes only and does not contain medical advice. For diagnosis, please consult a physician.