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Research is being done to find new ways to prevent and treat
cancer of the vulva. There are some promising new developments.
Oncogenes and
tumor suppressor genes: Scientists are learning more
about how certain genes called oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes
control cell growth and how changes in these genes cause normal vulvar
cells to become cancerous. The ultimate goal of this research is gene
therapy. Gene therapy involves replacing the damaged genes in cancer
cells with normal genes in order to stop the abnormal behavior of these
cells.
HPV vaccines: Vaccines
for preventing and treating vulvar and cervical cancer are being
developed and tested.
Some of these vaccines are meant to prevent infection with
certain types of HPV by boosting the body's immunity to them.
One HPV vaccine (Gardasil) is now available. Early studies of this
vaccine have found that it is able to prevent infection with HPV types
16 and 18 (as well as 6 and 11) and prevent pre-cancerous changes in
the cervix. More recent studies have shown that Gardasil also prevents
vulvar and vaginal cancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18. Other
preventive vaccines are also under study.
Some vaccines being studied are intended for women with
established HPV infections, to help their immune systems destroy the
virus and cure the infection before a cancer develops.
Still other vaccines are meant to help women who already have
a cancer that has recurred or metastasized. These vaccines attempt to
produce an immune reaction to the parts of the virus (E6 and E7
proteins) that specifically contribute to the abnormal growth of cancer
cells. It is hoped that this immunity will kill the cancer cells or
stop them from growing.
Other prevention
methods: Topical imiquimod, an anticancer drug , is being
studied for treatment of VIN.
Combining surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy:
Clinical trials are underway to determine the best way to combine
surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. For example, these trials
will provide information about whether certain groups of patients
benefit from radiation after surgery and whether patients with cancer
that has spread to lymph nodes benefit from chemotherapy or pelvic
radiation therapy.
Last Medical Review: 12/30/2008
Last Revised: 05/14/2009
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