Primary prevention of uterine cervix cancer: focus on vaccine history and current strategy.

Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Chao Family NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, Medical Center, 101 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868, USA.

Primary prevention of uterine cervix cancer spans the gamut of human papillomavirus vaccine development, dietary adjustment, chemoprevention, and risk reduction. Lifestyle and social behaviors impact on risk for cervical cancer. Before examining the growing body of molecular evidence, animal studies, and phase I clinical trials that suggest that a virus-based vaccine for cervical cancer may soon become a reality, one must reflect on what has gone before in the vaccine-based battle with viral disease.

PMID: 12509098 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]