From the Guidelines
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary cause of cervical cancer, with persistent infection being the most significant cause of the disease, as it is detected in 99% of cervical tumors, particularly the oncogenic subtypes such as HPV 16 and 18 1. The relationship between HPV and cervical cancer is well-established, with HPV infection being the most important risk factor for the development of cervical cancer.
- The majority of cervical cancer cases are attributed to high-risk HPV strains, particularly types 16 and 18, which are responsible for about 70% of cases 1.
- HPV vaccination is a crucial preventive measure, with three licensed vaccines available: the bivalent HPV virus-like particle vaccine (2vHPV), the quadrivalent HPV virus-like particle vaccine (4vHPV), and the nine-valent HPV virus-like particle vaccine (9vHPV) 1.
- These vaccines provide protection against HPV 16 and 18, as well as other oncogenic HPV types, and have been shown to be efficacious against related infection and cervical, vaginal, vulvar, and anal dysplasia 1.
- Regular cervical cancer screening is also essential, including Pap tests and/or HPV testing, to detect precancerous changes and prevent the development of invasive cervical cancer 1.
- The use of condoms during sexual activity can provide some protection against HPV transmission, although it is not complete, and most HPV infections clear naturally within 1-2 years 1.
- However, persistent infections with high-risk types require monitoring, and the progression from HPV infection to cervical cancer typically takes 10-20 years, making regular screening effective at catching precancerous changes before they become dangerous 1.
- The introduction of HPV vaccination programs has been shown to have a beneficial effect at the population level, with decreases in the incidence of high-grade cervical abnormalities, the prevalence of vaccine HPV types, and the incidence of genital warts, and it is expected to prevent > 70% of cervical cancers 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
GARDASIL 9 is a vaccine indicated in girls and women 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of the following diseases: Cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV) types 16,18,31,33,45,52, and 58. GARDASIL 9 is indicated in boys and men 9 through 45 years of age for the prevention of the following diseases: Anal, oropharyngeal and other head and neck cancers caused by HPV types 16,18,31,33,45,52, and 58.
The relationship between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and cervical cancer is that HPV types 16 and 18 are known to cause cervical cancer. The vaccine GARDASIL 9 is indicated for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by these HPV types 2.
- Key points:
- HPV types 16 and 18 are associated with cervical cancer
- GARDASIL 9 vaccine is indicated for the prevention of cervical cancer caused by HPV types 16,18,31,33,45,52, and 58
- Vaccination with GARDASIL 9 does not eliminate the necessity for vaccine recipients to undergo screening for cervical cancer as recommended by a health care provider 2
From the Research
Relationship Between Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer
- HPV is a primary cause of cervical cancer, with certain high-risk types (such as HPV-16 and HPV-18) being responsible for the majority of cases 3, 4, 5.
- The development of prophylactic HPV vaccines has been shown to be effective in preventing cervical cancer, with vaccines such as Gardasil and Cervarix providing protection against HPV types 16 and 18 6, 5.
- HPV testing has also been incorporated into screening programs, allowing for earlier detection of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and potentially reducing the incidence of cervical cancer 3.
- Studies have shown that HPV vaccine effectiveness against cervical cancer is high among girls vaccinated at a young age, with a significant reduction in incidence rates compared to unvaccinated women 7.
Prevention and Treatment
- Prophylactic HPV vaccines are effective in preventing HPV infection, but do not provide benefits for eliminating pre-existing infections 4, 5.
- Therapeutic vaccines are being developed to target infected cells and stimulate cell-mediated immunity, providing a potential treatment option for HPV-associated lesions and cancers 4.
- Screening programs, including Pap smears and HPV testing, remain an essential part of cervical cancer prevention, particularly in developing countries where access to vaccination may be limited 3, 6.
Global Impact
- Cervical cancer remains a significant global health burden, particularly in developing countries where access to screening and vaccination is limited 3, 4.
- The incorporation of HPV vaccines and testing into prevention programs has the potential to significantly reduce the incidence of cervical cancer worldwide, particularly if implemented in conjunction with existing screening programs 3, 6, 7.