ATLANTA -- Adult women in their mid-20s to mid-40s could become the next group recommended for .human papillomavirus vaccination.

The currently licensed quadrivalent HPV vaccine (Merck & Co.'s Gardasil) is indicated for the prevention of cervical cancer in girls and women aged 9-26 years. It is recommended for routine use in girls aged 11-12 years and for "catch-up" vaccination in 13-to 26-year-olds. At press time, the Food and Drug Administration had begun a priority review of Merck's application for an expanded indication for women ages 27 through 45.

Another candidate HPV vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline Inc.'s bivalent Cervarix, is not yet licensed but the company has ...