How does HPV affect cancer risk. What are the most common types of HPV-related cancers. How effective are HPV vaccines in preventing cancer. What should women know about HPV and cervical health. How can HPV-related head and neck cancers be prevented. What are the latest developments in HPV vaccine research.

The Relationship Between HPV and Cancer: What You Need to Know

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection, affecting millions of Americans each year. While the virus itself is not cancer, certain high-risk strains can lead to the development of various types of cancer. Understanding the connection between HPV and cancer is crucial for prevention and early detection.

Key Facts About HPV and Cancer Risk

• HPV is responsible for approximately 5% of all cancers worldwide
• Over 100 types of HPV exist, but only about a dozen are associated with cancer
• HPV types 16 and 18 account for 70% of cervical cancer cases
• Most HPV infections clear up on their own within two years
• Only a small percentage of persistent HPV infections lead to cancer

Is HPV always a cause for concern. While HPV is prevalent, it’s important to note that the vast majority of infections do not progress to cancer. Dr. Cornelia Trimble, a researcher at Johns Hopkins Medicine, emphasizes that HPV should be on your “nuisance list” rather than your “worry list.” Regular screenings and vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing HPV-related cancers.

Cervical Cancer and HPV: Understanding the Connection

Cervical cancer is the most well-known cancer associated with HPV. However, it’s essential to understand that not all HPV infections lead to cervical cancer, and the progression from infection to cancer is typically a slow process.

The Progression from HPV to Cervical Cancer

1. HPV infection occurs
2. Persistent infection may lead to cervical cell changes (dysplasia)
3. Low-grade lesions often clear up on their own
4. High-grade lesions contain precancerous cells
5. If left untreated, high-grade lesions may develop into cervical cancer over 10-15 years

How often does HPV lead to cervical cancer. The risk is relatively low. For 90% of women with HPV, the infection clears up within two years without causing any problems. Only a small percentage of women with high-risk HPV strains will develop cervical cancer. Regular Pap tests and HPV screenings are essential for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer.

Beyond Cervical Cancer: Other HPV-Related Cancers

While cervical cancer is the most commonly known HPV-related cancer, the virus can also cause other types of cancer in both men and women.

Types of Cancers Linked to HPV

• Anal cancer
• Oropharyngeal cancer (back of the throat, including the base of the tongue and tonsils)
• Vaginal cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Penile cancer

Are some HPV-related cancers more common than others. Yes, oropharyngeal cancer has become increasingly prevalent in recent years. Dr. Trimble notes that the rate of cancers in the back of the throat is “skyrocketing” and is on track to outpace cervical cancer. This trend underscores the importance of HPV vaccination for both males and females.

HPV Vaccines: A Powerful Tool in Cancer Prevention

HPV vaccines have revolutionized cancer prevention by targeting the most common cancer-causing strains of the virus. These vaccines are safe, effective, and recommended for both males and females.

Key Facts About HPV Vaccines

• Recommended for boys and girls starting at age 11 or 12
• Can be given as early as age 9
• Catch-up vaccination available for teens and young adults up to age 26
• Protects against the most common cancer-causing HPV strains
• Nearly 100% effective in preventing HPV-related diseases when given before exposure

Why is there controversy surrounding HPV vaccines. Despite overwhelming evidence of their safety and efficacy, some parents are hesitant to vaccinate their children. This hesitancy often stems from misinformation or concerns about promoting sexual activity. However, medical experts emphasize that the vaccines are a crucial tool in cancer prevention and do not encourage sexual behavior.

Overcoming the Stigma: HPV and Sexual Health

One of the challenges in addressing HPV is the stigma associated with sexually transmitted infections. This stigma can prevent open discussions about prevention and screening, potentially putting people at risk.

Breaking Down HPV Stigma

• HPV is extremely common – most sexually active people will contract it at some point
• Having HPV does not mean a person is promiscuous or unfaithful
• Many people clear the virus without ever knowing they had it
• Open communication with healthcare providers is crucial for prevention and early detection

How can we reduce the stigma surrounding HPV. Education and open dialogue are key. By understanding that HPV is a common infection that can affect anyone who has been sexually active, we can remove the shame and encourage proactive health measures. Dr. Trimble emphasizes, “Raising awareness can give you choices, and knowing you have choices is empowering.”

Advancements in HPV Research: Therapeutic Vaccines

While preventive HPV vaccines have been a game-changer in cancer prevention, researchers are now focusing on developing therapeutic vaccines to treat existing HPV infections and precancerous lesions.

Promising Developments in Therapeutic Vaccines

• Aim to boost the immune system’s ability to fight off HPV infections
• Could potentially treat high-grade lesions and prevent cancer development
• Recent studies have shown success in treating some patients with high-grade lesions
• May offer hope for those already infected with high-risk HPV strains

What is the potential impact of therapeutic HPV vaccines. These vaccines could revolutionize the treatment of HPV-related diseases by providing a non-invasive option for clearing persistent infections and treating precancerous lesions. Dr. Trimble’s research has shown promising results, with a recent study successfully treating half of the patients with high-grade lesions using a therapeutic vaccine.

HPV Prevention and Screening: Best Practices for Health

Preventing HPV-related cancers requires a multi-faceted approach that includes vaccination, regular screenings, and practicing safe sex. Understanding the best practices for HPV prevention and early detection is crucial for maintaining optimal health.

Key Prevention and Screening Strategies

1. Get vaccinated against HPV (ideally before becoming sexually active)
2. Practice safe sex, including using condoms and dental dams
3. Undergo regular Pap tests and HPV screenings as recommended by your healthcare provider
4. Quit smoking, as it can increase the risk of HPV-related cancers
5. Maintain a healthy immune system through diet, exercise, and stress management

How often should women get screened for HPV and cervical cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that women aged 25 to 65 should have a primary HPV test every 5 years. If primary HPV testing is unavailable, women should have a Pap test every 3 years or co-testing (HPV test plus Pap test) every 5 years. However, it’s essential to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations based on your individual risk factors.

The Future of HPV Prevention and Treatment

As research into HPV and its related cancers continues, new developments are emerging that could further improve prevention and treatment strategies. From more effective vaccines to advanced screening methods, the future looks promising for reducing the impact of HPV-related diseases.

Emerging Trends in HPV Research

• Development of vaccines that protect against more HPV strains
• Improved screening methods for early detection of HPV-related cancers
• Advancements in therapeutic vaccines for treating existing infections
• Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic factors
• Increased focus on HPV education and awareness programs

What role will artificial intelligence play in HPV prevention and treatment. AI has the potential to revolutionize HPV-related healthcare by improving the accuracy of cancer screenings, predicting treatment outcomes, and identifying individuals at high risk for HPV-related cancers. Machine learning algorithms could analyze vast amounts of data to develop more personalized prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

In conclusion, while HPV is a common infection that can lead to various types of cancer, it’s important to remember that most cases do not progress to cancer. With proper prevention measures, regular screenings, and advancements in vaccine technology, the impact of HPV-related cancers can be significantly reduced. By staying informed and proactive about our health, we can work towards a future where HPV-related cancers are increasingly rare.

HPV: 5 Things All Women Should Know

HPV: 5 Things All Women Should Know | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Reviewed By:

In addition to treating patients, Trimble researches vaccines to treat human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus is the most common sexually transmitted infection, with more than 6 million Americans infected each year. You’ve probably seen television ads for the HPV vaccine. If you have kids, your pediatrician has probably recommended the vaccine to guard against some cancers that are linked to HPV. It can sound pretty scary: a common infection that causes cancer.

So should women worry about HPV? According to Trimble, the answer is no.

If You Feel Something, Say Something: Preventing and Detecting Gynecologic Cancers

Rebecca Stone, M. D., a Johns Hopkins gynecologic oncologist and surgeon, explains gynecologic cancer risks, the best forms of prevention for you and your loved ones, and possible signs and symptoms.

Read more

Trimble discusses five things she wants women to know about HPV, cancer risk and the importance of vaccines.

1. Women Don’t Need to Feel Ashamed About HPV

   “Anyone who’s ever had sex may have been exposed to HPV,” says Trimble, adding that she wishes she knew how to get rid of the unnecessary stigma associated with the disease.

   “Raising awareness can give you choices, and knowing you have choices is empowering.”

2. Certain Types of HPV Are Linked with Cervical Disease

   While more than 100 types of HPV exist, only about a dozen of them are associated with cervical disease. “Together, HPV 16 and HPV 18 account for 70 percent of all cervical disease,” says Trimble. Genital warts are a form of low-risk HPV, and they do not cause cancer.

   Doctors monitor HPV with Pap tests that look for abnormal cervical cells called lesions. Low-grade lesions — where the changes are only mildly abnormal — often clear up on their own. These are not considered precancerous.

   All cervical cancers arise from untreated, high-grade lesions, which do contain precancerous cells. If your immune system is healthy, it typically takes about 10 to 15 years for cervical cancer to develop from a high-grade lesion. But not all high-grade lesions become cancer — a person’s own immune system can eliminate them.

3. HPV Very Rarely Becomes Cervical Cancer

   While HPV does cause cervical cancer, the risk of developing cervical cancer from the virus is still quite low.

   For 90 percent of women with HPV, the condition will clear up on its own within two years. Only a small number of women who have one of the HPV strains that cause cervical cancer will ever actually develop the disease.

   Cervical dysplasia, where cell changes occur in the cervix at the opening to the uterus, is a more common outcome from HPV infection.

   “I have a huge group of patients with persistent HPV infection who have never had any reason to need treatment,” Trimble says. “So if you have HPV, you can put it on your nuisance list and take it off your worry list.”

4. HPV Causes Head and Neck Cancers Too

   One of the biggest — but lesser-known — dangers of HPV involves the risk of head and neck cancer, with HPV spreading to the throat via oral sex.

   “The rate of cancers in the back of the throat is skyrocketing,” Trimble says. “Experts are using the word epidemic to describe it. It’s on track to outpace cervical cancer.”

   While women can get these cancers, most of the people who get it are heterosexual males. There is currently no way to screen for it, making it all the more important that parents get their children — including boys — vaccinated.

5. Vaccines Save Lives

   Trimble thinks it’s sad that there’s so much controversy over the HPV vaccine, which has overwhelmingly been proven safe and can prevent devastating cancers linked with HPV. In fact, Trimble has dedicated her research to developing therapeutic vaccines capable of fighting HPV once someone has contracted the virus. (Preventive vaccines are given to healthy people to ward off infections; therapeutic vaccines are used to help people who already have a disease.) In a recent study using a therapeutic vaccine, she and her team were able to successfully treat half of patients who had high-grade lesions, and they’re working on raising that number.

   “At least 20 percent of human cancers are caused by a specific infection,” says Trimble. “That implies it would be possible to prevent or treat disease by helping the immune system recognize infection. Once you’ve done that, you’ve won.”

   Ultimately, Trimble says HPV is a wimpy infection, and she’s encouraged by the huge immune responses these therapeutic vaccines can trigger.

   As she explained in a TED talk called “Kicking Cancer’s Butt,” Trimble says, “My goal is to cure cancer, and it’s beginning to look like that’s possible. ”

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Human Papillomavirus Is Dangerous—But a Vaccine Can Save You! · Frontiers for Young Minds

Abstract

Human papilloma virus (HPV) is a virus that can cause disease in the skin and mucus membranes of both women and men. There are more than 100 types of HPV. While most of them cause harmless infections, some types of HPV are more harmful and can lead to cancers. HPV infection cannot be cured. The only solution is to prevent infection by vaccinating girls and boys at the age of 9–15. HPV vaccination prevents the infection and also stops the spread of the virus from one person to another. This article will help you to understand the basics about HPV, the diseases it causes, and why the HPV vaccine is an important solution.

What is Human Papillomavirus?

The human papillomavirus, also known as HPV, is a virus that infects humans and causes “papilloma.” The word papilloma is composed of “papilla,” which means pimple, and “oma,” which refers to an abnormal growth of cells, otherwise known as a tumor. HPV preferably infects cells of the skin and the mucous membranes. The skin is an organ, with several tissue layers, that forms the natural protective barrier of a person’s body. Mucous membranes are the tissues that line the inside of numerous organs, such as the mouth, the throat, and the genitals.

Viruses are invisible to the naked eye, but they can be observed using a powerful microscope. HPV has a round shape, and its diameter is 55 nm (1 nm = 0.0000001 cm). This is a million times smaller than a tennis ball! Some of the proteins that make up HPV combine to form a star-shaped shield, kind of like a star built from Lego^®;. In total, 72 starry shields assemble to create the round shape of HPV, which is called the capsid. The capsid contains the viral DNA (Figure 1) [1, 2].

• Figure 1 – The structure of HPV.
• HPV is composed of proteins that assemble themselves into starry shield shapes. Seventy-two Starry shields assemble to create the capsid, which encloses the viral DNA (illustrated by Susan Nasif).

HPV Comes in Different Forms and Spreads via Different Routes

HPV is not just one virus. There are more than 100 kinds of HPV, but most of them are rare and not dangerous. Each kind of HPV has a slightly different looking starry shield and therefore has unique characteristics. Scientists have given each type of HPV a number to identify it. Some types of HPV, like 16 and 18, are very harmful for humans (called high-risk HPV) and can cause malignant lesions, leading to cancers in various parts of the body. Others, like 6 and 11, are less dangerous (called low-risk HPV) and might create wounds, such as warts or condyloma (Figure 2) [2]. Condylomas are warts that are located in the mucous membrane of the body, for example in the throat. Warts and condylomas are called benign lesions because they are not a threat to human lives.

• Figure 2 – Lesions associated with HPV infection.
• Infection with some types of HPV can lead to benign conditions, such as warts or condylomas. Other HPV types are more dangerous and can cause malignant lesions, such as cancer of the uterus. The yellow triangle on the lower right image shows the evolution of the cervix cells from normal (top) to cancerous (bottom) cell formation (illustrated by Susan Nasif).

It is estimated that the majority of adults worldwide are or have been infected by HPV. Most people do not even notice the infection, but can still infect other people. Infections can happen in swimming pools or through skin-skin contact when you shake hands. When a mother is infected, she can transmit the virus to her baby during childbirth. HPV is also the most common sexually transmitted disease and can be passed on through close intimacy and sexual contact.

Symptoms: From Warts to Cancer

More than half of the types of HPV (~60) cause warts on the skin of various body regions, like hands and feet. Those lesions are usually not dangerous for human health. The other HPV types (~40) enter the body during sexual contact and intimacy. Of these, types 6 and 11 cause condyloma. Condyloma is not life threatening. However, types 16 and 18 contribute to cervical cancer. The cervix is a part of the uterus, an essential female reproductive organ. Cervical cancer is one of the top killers of women in the world. The German physician-virologist Harald zur Hausen discovered the link between HPV and cervical cancer in 1983 [3]. In 2008, he won the Nobel Prize in Medicine for that discovery!

Although HPV infects women and men equally, women have the highest risk of developing cancer when they get infected by a high-risk type of HPV. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by an HPV infection. Some oral and throat cancers can also be linked to HPV, and although these are less common than cervical cancer, it is important to remember that men are also vulnerable to HPV infection and can also develop cancer.

Being infected by HPV does not mean that a person will definitely develop a tumor. This is good news, because HPV infection is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract. To develop cancer, a person must be infected by a high-risk type of HPV and be infected for a long time, meaning that the person’s body is not able to fight against the virus effectively. To better understand the risks linked to HPV infection, if 10 adolescents are infected, 9 will clear the virus from their bodies and only 1 will develop a serious disease, such as cervical cancer.

Sometimes, when a high-risk type of HPV infects human cells, the virus can mislead the immune system and maintain its infection. This long-standing infection is the first step in the potential development of cancer. The infection starts at the deepest layer of the skin or mucous membranes (see yellow triangle in Figure 2). HPV disrupts the functioning of the cells it infects [1]. After taking control of the cells, HPV can reproduce itself and invade more cells, from the deepest layers to the surface. Each infected cell displays an abnormal appearance that doctors and scientists can detect if they examine the cells using a microscope (Figure 3).

• Figure 3 – From HPV infection to cervical cancer.
• The blue square shows the infection of a cell by HPV. In the lower part of the drawing, you see the evolution of the cervix cells from normal (green) to cancerous (red) cell formation (illustrated by Susan Nasif).

Vaccination Keeps Us Protected From HPV

HPV infection cannot be cured. The only solution is to prevent HPV infection from happening in the first place, through vaccination. Currently, the HPV vaccine can protect us against nine high-risk types of HPV: 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 [2]. Therefore, the vaccine prevents most cases of HPV infection that can lead to serious health problems.

The HPV vaccine is made of reconstructed starry shields of the viruses, which cannot cause any harm to humans. Those shields are called virus-like particles (VLPs) because they look like the HPV virus but do not actually come from it. VLPs are created in laboratories using yeast cells (Figure 4). When a person receives the vaccine, the immune system reacts against the VLPs and remembers them. If the person gets infected by HPV later, the immune system will remember the starry shield of the virus and immediately fight to eliminate the virus from the body.

• Figure 4 – What is the HPV vaccine?
• Section 1 illustrates a cell being infected by HPV and turning sick. Section 2 illustrates the stages to create the vaccine against HPV, namely by using yeast cells to produce VLPs that mimic the appearance of HPV. Section 3 illustrates a cell being infected by HPV. The immune system of the cell fights efficiently the virus thanks to the vaccine previously received (illustrated by Susan Nasif).

Girls and boys should be vaccinated against HPV between 9 and 15 years old. Why so early? It is important that you get your first HPV vaccine before you get intimate with somebody you like, because the virus is easily transmitted from one person to another. The sooner you get vaccinated, the fewer shots you need: between 9 and 14 years old, you only receive two shots, whereas if you are between 15 and 45 years old, you need three shots to be protected. The pinch of the shot is worth it, do not you think? Although the vaccine is very safe and effective, you might experience some mild side effects, such as a sore spot, swelling, and redness where the shot was given. Headaches and nausea can also occur, but less frequently.

Testing for HPV Infection

HPV types not included in the vaccine can still cause infections in vaccinated people. Also, if people are infected before they get vaccinated, the virus can stay dormant in the body and develop into an infection later on. Therefore, it is important to regularly check for potential HPV infections.

Girls and women can be checked for HPV infection during a visit to the gynecologist, which is a type of doctor specializing in the health status of a woman’s reproductive organs. The Pap test is used to check for changes in cervical cells. It is named after Dr. George Papanicolaou, the Greek physician who developed the test. The gynecologist uses a swab to lightly brush over the tissue of the cervix, to collect a sample of cells. These cells are then analyzed under a microscope to see whether they look healthy or abnormal. If cells have a strange appearance, it means that they might be infected by HPV and could potentially lead to a cancer. Through the Pap test, we can detect at least 8 out of 10 girls who are infected by HPV, and help them so they do not develop cancer nor spread the infection. HPV cannot be cured, but if a doctor detects the infection early enough, he can remove the infected tissue of the cervix. Because some types of HPV can hide and re-appear later, it is important that girls get the Pap test every 3 years.

Boys usually get tested when something strange appears on their genitals or if they find out their partner is infected. There is no Pap test for boys, but HPV can be detected using a laboratory technique that looks for the DNA of the HPV virus. When a wart is observed on the genitals of a girl or a boy, the doctor can collect the wart cells, which can then be tested in the lab to see if they contain HPV.

What Did I Learn? Vaccination to Protect Myself and Others!

HPV is very common. It is considered to be the most common sexually transmitted disease and men are equally infected than women. In most cases, infected people clear the virus from their bodies, but sometimes the immune system is not strong enough to fight it. Hence, some people develop serious health problem, such as cancer. Currently, no cure exist to get rid of this viral enemy, but we can protect ourselves with a vaccine.

The more people are vaccinated, the lower the risk of HPV infection will be. Spread the news to your friends, classmates, and family to create a chain of solidarity against HPV and decrease the transmission of the virus. Widespread immunization against HPV could reduce, and eventually even eliminate, cervical cancers and other diseases caused by HPV worldwide.

Glossary

Mucous Membrane: ↑ The tissue that lines the inside of numerous organs, including the oral cavity, the nasal cavity, and the genitals.

Capsid: ↑ The protein structure that surrounds the genetic material of the virus, like a shell.

Malignant Lesion: ↑ An abnormal new growth of tissue/cells which usually develops rapidly and spreads to the whole body. It is life-threatening if it is not taken care of.

Wart: ↑ An abnormal growth of cells, most frequently in the shape of a nipple or cauliflower.

Condyloma: ↑ A wart located in the mucous membrane for example on the genitals or in the throat.

Benign Lesion: ↑ An abnormal new growth of tissue/cells which develops slowly and remains local where it initially originates. It is not life-threatening, but sometimes it evolves toward malignancy.

Cervix: ↑ The narrow outer end of the uterus, which is the main female reproductive organ.

Virus-like Particle: ↑ Small particle that appears like a certain virus since it contains proteins from the viral capsid. They do not contain viral genetic material and can therefore not cause an infection. They are usually synthesized in laboratories to mimic a virus, like in the HPV vaccine.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

---

References

[1] ↑ Song, D., Li, H., Li, H., and Dai, J. 2015. Effect of human papillomavirus infection on the immune system and its role in the course of cervical cancer. Oncol. Lett. 10:600–6. doi: 10.3892/ol.2015.3295

[2] ↑ Garbuglia, A. R., Lapa, D., Sias, C., Capobianchi, M. R., and Del Porto, P. 2020. The use of both therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines in the therapy of papillomavirus disease. Front. Immunol. 11:188. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00188

[3] ↑ Mammas, I. N., and Spandidos, D. A. 2017. Paediatric virology as a new educational initiative: an interview with nobelist professor of virology harald zur hausen. Exp. Ther. Med. 14:3329–31. doi: 10.3892/etm.2017.5006

What is human papillomavirus and why is it dangerous ‣ Your Doctor

10

November

HPV (human papillomavirus) is the most common viral infection of the genital tract. There are 40 different types of this virus that can infect the genital area of ​​men and women, including the skin of the penis, the vulva (the area outside the vagina) and anus, as well as the vaginal lining, cervix, and rectum.

Some types of HPV are harmless, while others (including types 16, 18, 6, 11) can cause various cancers, primarily in the genital area:

• Cervical cancer (cancer of the lower uterus) in women,
• Pathological and precancerous changes in the cervix (i.e. such changes in the cells of the cervix, in which there is a risk of their transformation into tumors),
• Cancer of the vagina and vulva (cancer of the vulva) in women,
• Genital warts (condylomas) in women and men.

Cervical cancer is a serious, life-threatening disease. Almost all cases of cervical cancer (99%) are associated with infection of a woman’s genitals with some types of HPV. These types of virus can change the cells of the surface layer of the cervix, causing them to transform from normal to precancerous. If these changes are not treated, they can turn into cancer. Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths every year.

Genital warts are caused by certain types of HPV. They tend to appear as irregular, flesh-colored growths. They are found on the inner or outer surface of the external genitalia in both women and men. Genital warts can be painful, itchy, bleeding, and uncomfortable. Sometimes, after removal, they may reappear.

HPV can be transmitted from person to person by airborne or household routes, but primarily through sexual contact. Men and women of any age who engage in any form of sexual behavior that involves genital contact are at risk of infection. Many people who get HPV don’t have any signs or symptoms and can therefore unintentionally pass the virus on to other people.

The peak incidence of HPV typically occurs between the ages of 16 and 20. HPV infection can be cured spontaneously, however, in a chronic course, it can lead to precancerous conditions, and after 20-30 years it can turn into cancer.

There are currently no effective and proven treatments for HPV infection.

How to protect yourself from HPV-related diseases

At present, two inactivated vaccines for the prevention of HPV infections are licensed worldwide and in the Russian Federation – Gardasil® and Cervarix®.

HPV vaccines contain major L1 capsid proteins that assemble themselves into virus-like particles (VLPs). These particles do not contain viral genetic material and are therefore not infectious.

Both vaccines target HPV types 16 and 18, which cause at least 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. In addition, the Gardasil vaccine is also directed against HPV types 6 and 11, which cause mild cervical pathologies and the vast majority of genital warts.

Vaccine	Manufacturer	HPV types
Gardasil®	Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. (Netherlands)	16, 18, 6, 11
Cervarix®	GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals S.A. (Belgium)	16, 18 [*]

[*] In 40% of those vaccinated, the drug also provides cross protection against any manifestations of HPV infection caused by other oncogenic types of HPV.

Large scale HPV vaccine exposure studies followed by years of follow-up have shown almost 100 percent protection against cervical cancer-preceding conditions associated with these virus genotypes.

Experience with HPV vaccines

HPV vaccines are currently being actively used in many countries around the world. In a number of foreign countries, HPV vaccination is included in the National Immunization Programs. In the United States, all girls are vaccinated at the age of 11-12 years, in France – at 14 years old, in Germany – at 12-17 years old, in Austria – at the age of 9-17 years.

The worldwide experience of using these vaccines for several years has shown their safety and high prophylactic efficacy.

Target audience for HPV vaccines

HPV vaccines are currently administered mainly to young women and adolescent girls: vaccination is currently allowed Gardasil® – children 9-17 years old (girls and boys),
– young women 18-26 years old Cervarix® – girls and young women 10-25 years old

90 002 At the same time, research continues on the use of HPV vaccines in other age groups, therefore, over time, age-specific indications for the use of these vaccines will expand.

HPV vaccination schedule

The standard vaccination course consists of three shots:

900 43 Gardasil®

Vaccine	Standard regimen	Accelerated regimen
0 – 2 – 6 months 1st – selected day, 2nd – after 2 months after the first dose, 3rd – 6 months after the first dose.	0 – 1 – 3 months 1st – selected day, 2nd – 1 month after the first dose, 3rd – 3 months after the first dose.
Cervarix®	0 – 1 – 6 months 1st – selected day, 2nd – 1 month after the first dose, 3rd – 6 months after the first dose.	—

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly (by injection) at a dose of 0.5 ml for all age groups.

The need for revaccination has not yet been established.

Contraindications to HPV vaccination

Infection with one of the HPV types included in vaccines is not a contraindication to vaccination; but you should consult your doctor and gynecologist about the need for such vaccinations.

HPV vaccines are contraindicated in:

• allergic to any component of the vaccine,
• severe allergic reactions to a previous administration of this drug,
• pregnancy.

As with any vaccination, temporary contraindications to vaccination are acute diseases and exacerbations of chronic diseases. In such cases, the vaccination is delayed until recovery.

Breastfeeding is not a contraindication to HPV vaccines.

HPV vaccine adverse reactions

HPV vaccines are well tolerated.

As with any other inactivated vaccine, the following reactions are possible in the first 2-3 days after administration: soreness at the injection site, swelling, redness, itching, as well as general reactions – malaise, fever.

How effective are HPV vaccines

After a full course of vaccination, protective antibodies are detected in more than 99% vaccinated. The results of large studies of the effects of these vaccines followed by 2-5 years of follow-up showed almost 100 percent protection against cervical cancer-precursor conditions. Protection against genital warts was 95-99%.

Moreover, the presence of the adjuvant AS04 (a substance that enhances the immune response to vaccination) in the Cervarix® vaccine leads to the development of a longer and more stable immunity in the vaccinated.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

These vaccines are intended for the prevention of diseases caused by HPV, but not for their treatment.

HPV vaccines do not protect against diseases not caused by HPV.

WHO: Cervical cancer and painful death from this disease are preventable

On Wednesday, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus, together with world stars, cervical cancer survivors, as well as representatives of non-governmental and scientific organizations, called on all mobilize efforts to eradicate this serious disease.

As in the case of COVID-19, today access to important means of fighting cervical cancer is limited: women and girls in the poorest countries, unlike those living in rich countries, do not have the opportunity to undergo clinical examination, to be vaccinated against the virus human papillomavirus (HPV) and receive appropriate treatment. Evidence of this glaring disparity is the fact that 9 out of 10 deaths from this type of cancer occur in low- or middle-income countries.

In 2020, only 13 per cent of girls aged 9 to 14 were vaccinated against HPV, the virus that causes almost all cervical cancers. About 80 countries, which account for nearly two-thirds of the global burden of disease, have not been vaccinated at all.

“Cervical cancer is a serious but preventable disease and, if diagnosed early, is one of the most successfully treatable cancers,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus. “We have the funds to make cervical cancer a thing of the past, but that will only be possible if the funds are available to everyone who needs them.”

Cervical cancer breakthroughs

There have been many breakthroughs in prevention and treatment in recent years. There are new, better HPV vaccines and new treatments for the disease.

Over the past year, HPV vaccine supplies have been established in seven countries – Cameroon, Cape Verde, El Salvador, Mauritania, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe and Tuvalu. This brings the total number of countries where people can be vaccinated against HPV to 115. In a number of countries, medical personnel have been trained in the use of new portable devices for thermal ablation of precancerous tumors.

Read also:

WHO introduced in Uzbekistan a new method of treating cervical cancer in 30 seconds

In recent years, research has been carried out in the field of screening technologies using artificial intelligence, which will help ensure the earliest possible detection of precancerous conditions.

“Even in this unprecedented year, we are seeing progress towards ending cervical cancer,” said Princess Nono Simelela, Special Adviser to the Director-General on Strategic Priorities, including Ending Cervical Cancer. “Important results have been achieved in the field of research and development of new technologies…”.

Problems persist

But this progress is not being seen everywhere. Many women are unable to get tested.