Study on cervical cancer vaccine for young men

Madison, WI

Danny and Craig Womack are brothers, and typical college students. They both signed up for a medical study on campus to make a little money. "My brother dragged me into it, definitely, dragged me into it, but being a college student, you know, free easy money for a good cause. It's difficult to pass up," says Craig.

The Womacks are among nearly 4,000 men between the ages of 16 and 26 taking part in an international study to see if the cervical cancer vaccine, Gardasil, can prevent disease in men. Doctor Anna Giuliano is leading the research. "We're so focused on HPV causing cervical cancer that most of us just haven't had the chance to recognize that this infection causes cancer in men. We're talking about 90 percent of anal cancers, 50 to 80 percent of penile cancers and up to 60 percent of oropharyngeal cancers."

HPV is spread through sexual intercourse, so it stands to reason that girls and boys might both benefit from the vaccine. Dr. Giuliano says reducing infection in men would prevent transmission of the infection to females, and ultimately reduce infection all around.

There's more data to crunch before the study concludes, but the vaccine maker is so encouraged, they're already moving forward. Merck Company is applying for approval from the Food and Drug Administration, which could make a ruling by the end of the year. Right now, Gardasil is given to girls in three doses over a six month period. If approved, the same treatment course would apply for men.

The Womacks are encouraged. They're also glad to be taking part in a study that has the potential to educate a whole new generation of young people to the risk of HPV.

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