Immunogenicity and tolerability of an HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted prophylactic cervical cancer vaccine in women aged 15–55 years

The immunogenicity and safety of an HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine were assessed in women aged 26–55 years and compared with women aged 15–25 years in a Phase III, non-randomised, open-label, age-stratified study. Overall the vaccine was well tolerated and 100% seropositivity was achieved 1 month after the third dose in all age groups. There was a high correlation between HPV-16 and HPV-18 antibody levels (IgG) in cervicovaginal secretions and sera, regardless of age. The HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine induces a robust and persistent immune response in women >26 years of age and generates antibodies that transudate through the cervix epithelium.