HPV vaccine does not appear to be effective for treating pre-existing HPV...(and concomitant infection with Chlamydia...),Health

These findings have important clinical implications. For example, in countries where HPV DNA testing is incorporated in cervical cancer screening and prevention efforts, adult women who have abnormal Papanicolaou test results induced by HPV infection and/or who test positive for an oncogenic HPV type using the clinically available HC2 test might be interested in receiving the HPV vaccine to treat their existent infection, the authors write. our results demonstrate that in women positive for HPV DNA, HPV-16/18 vaccination does not accelerate clearance of the virus and should not be used for purposes of treating prevalent infections. (JAMA. 2007;298(7):743-753. Available pre-embargo to the media at www.jamamedia.org)

Editors Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.

Editorial: HPV VaccinesProphylactic, Not Therapeutic

In an accompanying editorial, Lauri E. Markowitz, M.D., of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, comments on the findings of Hildesheim and colleagues.

What are the implications of these data and how do they bear on recommendations" The lack of therapeutic efficacy of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine was considered in deliberations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These data, along with data demonstrating the high likelihood of acquiring HPV infection soon after onset of sexual activity and data on sexual behavior in the United States, all contributed to recommendations for routine immunization at 11 to 12 years of age. Because the vaccine has no therapeutic efficacy, the greatest effect will be realized if the vaccine is administered before sexual debut, prior to exposure to HPV.

In making the recommendati
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