According to epidemiological studies, approximately 20% of the adult population is infected with 16 subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV). Although most people with no clinical manifestations or the illnesses that result from it are mild, in some patients, HPV causes oncological diseases of the anogenital region, especially cervical cancer in women. In addition to the 16 subtypes of HPV, about 20 other subtypes of this virus are known to contribute to cervical cancer. Therefore, the development of an HPV vaccine is of important medical importance.

According to a study by a team of scientists led by Dr. L. Koutsky (University of Washington, Seattle), the HPV 16 subtype vaccine is an effective means of primary prevention of cervical cancer. The proposed vaccine is also effective against the 18th subtype of HPV, which, along with the 16th subtype, causes approximately 70% of all cases of cervical cancer. In addition, the vaccine works on the 6th and 11th subtypes of HPV, which are associated with the development of genital warts - a fairly common disease with some treatment difficulties.

The proposed vaccine is still in the clinical research stage and the task of scientists today is to introduce it into practical health care. It is likely that several years will elapse before the start of the vaccination program in clinical practice. During this time, you have to find answers to many pressing questions. How long does immunity last after vaccination? At what age should be vaccinated (HPV infection occurs through sexual contact, so it is advisable to administer the vaccine before active sexual activity begins).

In general, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women, around 450,000 new cases are diagnosed each year worldwide and the death rate from this pathology is more than 100,000 cases per year.. Clearly, developing countries are in the greatest need of an HPV vaccination program, accounting for 80% of all deaths from cervical cancer. For these countries, the introduction of an effective, safe and affordable long-acting vaccine will be an important step in reducing the incidence and mortality of cervical cancer.

According to Dr. C.P. Crum (Boston Gynecological Clinic, USA), research to vaccinate HPV-related diseases gives hope for a complete and gradual cure for mankind against cervical cancer. Of course, vaccination will effectively prevent the development of cervical cancer, but it will not solve the problem of women who are not suitable for vaccination or already infected with HPV. In these women, it is necessary to provide for the compulsory application of secondary prevention measures for cervical cancer.