New vaccines are currently being studied by Australian drug authorities have a chance to fight the virus causing cervical cancer.
A Melbourne-based study found that deadly diseases of cervical cancer can be cured. This is possible thanks to the discovery of a new vaccine currently under review by Australian drug authorities.
The study, led by Royal Women Hospital and Victorian Cytology Service, examined nearly 900 samples of cervical cancer. They found Gardasil vaccine given to students in the first year of high school proved able to protect 77 percent of the students receiving the vaccine.
The study, published in the International Journal of Cancer found the new Gardasil 9 vaccine, can protect the recipients of 93 percent of cancer types.
Associate Professor Julia Brotherton's lead researcher says the results are very encouraging. "This is a real breakthrough," he told ABC.
"The possibility that we are now to be able to prevent children from being infected with the cancer-causing virus, I think it's amazing," he added.
Dr Julia Brotherton says Gardasil 9 vaccine is being used in the US and New Zealand.
The Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee is currently reviewing how the new vaccine could save Australia's health budget and possibly release its decision by the end of August.
Prof Brotherton said he expects PBAC to consider the study.
"I really hope this vaccine will be available to the younger generation in the first year of high school that is expected to be implemented early next year," he said.
Another benefit of this new vaccine is its less dose. The current vaccine given to the younger generation requires three doses. But Prof. Brotherton said if given before the age of 14, a new vaccine requires only two doses.
The research was conducted in collaboration with cancer pathology laboratories in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland.
