Another vaccine that may help to fight cancer by bolstering the immune system is a cervical cancer vaccine designed to help those who already suffer from the disease. This vaccine study was also presented at the recent meeting for the American Association for Cancer Research. The vaccine activates many different components of the immune system, attacking tumors both immediately and over the long term.

The study included 15 women with progressive, terminal cervical cancer that had failed typical treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. The vaccine slowed or stopped the tumor growth in eight of 13 women in whom tumor size was evaluated. It also extended the lives of six of the women who are still alive 15 to 18 months after they received the vaccine. Typically, women with this type of terminal cancer only survive about six months.

All of the women suffered side effects of flu-like symptoms however many of these symptoms were treatable with nonprescription drugs.

Researchers plan further studies in women with early cervical cancer as well as people with head and neck cancer.