Researchers at the National Cancer Institute and other locations are studying the human papillomavirus (HPV) to determine how it causes abnormal cell growth and how it can be prevented.

Scientists are developing new laboratory tests that will identify the types of HPVs that cause precancerous changes in the cervix. The goal of the research is to develop a test that is simple and can be widely used.

A second HPV vaccine, Cervarix, is being tested in clinical trials but has not yet been approved by the FDA. This vaccine also targets the high-risk viruses, HPV 16 and 18, which account for the majority of the cervical cancer cases.