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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
13:41
Use of Interferon-γ Enzyme-linked Immunospot Assay to Characterize Novel T-cell Epitopes of Human Papillomavirus
Published on: March 8, 2012
[Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV); between registration and implementation]
T G J van Rossum1, H E de Melker, H Houweling
1College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen, Den Haag. tg.v.rossum@cbg-meb.nl
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|June 14, 2008
Summary
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine offers protection against cervical cancer, a disease affecting hundreds of Dutch women annually. Experts recommend its inclusion in national immunization programs, alongside continued screening efforts.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Context:
- Cervical cancer impacts 600-700 women yearly in the Netherlands, with ~250 deaths annually.
- The European approval of Gardasil, the first Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, necessitates evaluating its integration into national health strategies.
- A 2006 workshop convened experts to address the inclusion of HPV vaccination in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the potential inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the Dutch National Immunisation Programme.
- To discuss the role of HPV vaccination in cervical cancer prevention in the Netherlands.
- To address expert opinions on HPV vaccination's benefits and challenges.
Summary:
- The HPV vaccine targets HPV-16 and HPV-18, responsible for ~70% of cervical cancers.
- Continued participation in cervical cancer screening is crucial due to the long-term nature of vaccine efficacy.
- Improving screening through HPV testing and self-sampling for non-participants is recommended.
- Unanswered questions remain regarding vaccine protection duration, long-term safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Impact:
- The Health Council of the Netherlands recommended including HPV vaccination in the National Immunisation Programme as of April 1, 2008.
- The decision impacts public health policy regarding cervical cancer prevention strategies.
- This evaluation influences future vaccination policies and cervical cancer screening protocols in the Netherlands.
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