Glossary: Cervarix

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.

A vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16 and 18. It is also used to prevent lesions that are caused by these viruses and that can lead to cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer. Cervarix is used in females aged 10-25 years. It is also being studied in the treatment of other medical conditions. It is a type of bivalent vaccine. Also called GSK-580299, HPV 16/18 L1 VLP/AS04 VAC, human papillomavirus 16/18 L1 virus-like particle/AS04 vaccine, and recombinant human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine.

Relating to the neck, or to the neck of any organ or structure. Cervical lymph nodes are located in the neck. Cervical cancer refers to cancer of the uterine cervix, which is the lower, narrow end (the “neck”) of the uterus.

A vaccine used to prevent cervical cancer caused by human papillomaviruses (HPV) types 16 and 18. It is also used to prevent lesions that are caused by these viruses and that can lead to cervical, vulvar, or vaginal cancer. GSK-580299 is used in females aged 10-25 years. It is also being studied in the treatment of other medical conditions. It is a type of bivalent vaccine. Also called Cervarix, HPV 16/18 L1 VLP/AS04 VAC, human papillomavirus 16/18 L1 virus-like particle/AS04 vaccine, and recombinant human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine.

A type of virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of HPV can cause cervical cancer. HPV may also play a role in some other types of cancer, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, oropharyngeal, and squamous cell skin cancers. Also called human papillomavirus.

A type of virus that can cause abnormal tissue growth (for example, warts) and other changes to cells. Infection for a long time with certain types of human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer. Human papillomavirus may also play a role in some other types of cancer, such as anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, oropharyngeal, and squamous cell skin cancers. Also called HPV.

In genetics, describes DNA, proteins, cells, or organisms that are made by combining genetic material from two different sources. Recombinant substances are made in the laboratory and are being studied in the treatment of cancer and for many other uses.

A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. A vaccine can help the body recognize and destroy cancer cells or microorganisms.

Having to do with the vagina (the birth canal).