Researchers at Japan's Chiba University have successfully removed cervical cancer cells from mice by administering a vaccine designed to induce immune cells.
About 10,000 women in Japan develop cervical cancer per year. Patients undergo treatments, such as surgery and radiation therapy, but they suffer aftereffects and are said to face higher risks of infertility or miscarriage.
A group led by Nakahashi Rika, Specially Appointed Associate Professor at Chiba University Hospital, developed a vaccine from a substance derived from the human papillomavirus, the main cause of cervical cancer.
This vaccine, which is administered nasally, induces immune cells that attack cervical cancer cells.
In tests using mice, the vaccine destroyed cancer cells. It was also confirmed to have induced immune cells to the cervix in tests using monkeys.
The group announced its findings in a US science journal. It hopes this will lead to a new method of treatment that does not involve surgery or radiation therapy.
Nakahashi says they confirmed the vaccine's effectiveness in mice and other subjects, so they will now test whether it works in humans and aim to put it to practical use.

Quiz 1:
Which university is leading the research on removing cervical cancer cells from mice?
A. Kyoto University
B. Chiba University
C. Osaka University
D. Hokkaido University

Quiz 2:
What is the main cause of cervical cancer, as mentioned in the article?
A. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
B. Breast cancer virus
C. Liver disease bacteria
D. Lung cancer fungus

Quiz 3:
What type of therapy could be replaced by this new method, as suggested in the article?
A. Chemotherapy
B. Surgery
C. Radiation therapy
D. Hormone therapy