Hi all --

Another update from the ongoing Hopkins HPV vaccine trial -- nothing dramatic to report, probably a good thing! --- but Barry had his third (of four) injections of this new vaccine last week, and the injection site check-up today (nothing, as per usual).

Now we wait a few weeks and they will do another phoresis, this to check whether his immune system has responded to the "challenge" of the vaccine. A final inoculation is given 3 months out, and then more blood work, again to check for immune response. At this time the next cohort of trial participants, who are getting the next highest dose of vaccine, will start. If they experience negative side effects, then the dose will be lowered. However the cervical cancer trial (with same vaccine, started over a year ago) none of the dose levels showed negative effects but we have been told that all levels showed an enhanced immune response, a good result.

We won't be told what Barry's individual response to the vaccine is, but all the data will be pooled to assess what dose is most effective.

Will post more when there is news...

Gail