as far as i know, merck’s new drug gardasil, just approved by the FDA as a vaccine for the prevention of cervical cancer, is the first vaccine for cancer ever. a prevention for the number 2 cancer killer of women.
a vaccine for cancer. that is unbelievable. cervical cancer is caused by a virus, which i guess technically makes this drug a prophylactic against viral infection, but still. A VACCINE FOR CANCER!
i wonder if this is in fact a watershed moment in human history, that in retrospect will be a defining moment for health. vaccines for cancers of other primary origin might be much more difficult than targeting a virus. the approval of the first is a HUGE deal though!
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