HPV vaccines and the prevention of cervical cancer

Cervical cancer is the second commonest causes of cancer death among women worldwide. Uniquely amongst human cancers, it is entirely attributable to infection. Persisting infection of anogenital epithelium with one of a limited subset of human papillomaviruses (HPVs) is necessary for the development of cervical cancer. Several recent large clinical trials have shown that prophylactic vaccines, based on PV virus particles produced using recombinant DNA technology, provide long lasting immunity against infection with the incorporated PV genotypes, and against premalignant conditions caused by these infections. Effective deployment of these vaccines, which have excellent safety and efficacy profiles, could eventually reduce the global burden of cervical cancer by up to 70% through universal immunisation of preadolescent girls. Vaccine use will supplement rather than replace cervical cancer screening programs, where these programs already exist.