Human Papillomavirus Vaccination for the Prevention of Cervical and Other Related Cancers

Academic research described in the late 1980’s the causal association between human papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer, later expanded to significant fractions of all other genital tract cancers in both genders as well as a proportion of the cancers of the oral cavity and oropharynx. Prophylactic phase III HPV vaccine trials have shown complete type specific vaccine efficacy against two HPV types, namely HPV 16 and 18, that together account for over 70% of cervical cancer worldwide. HPV vaccines have proven in trials to have an excellent safety record. Most developed populations have introduced HPV vaccines as part of their routine vaccination schemes and introduction into developing countries is being actively planned. In 2012, over 100 million vaccine doses have been delivered and records of continuous efficacy and safety are encouraging. Comprehensive strategies of HPV vaccination and HPV based screening tests could theoretically eliminate cervical cancer in defined populations.