Breakthroughs and Issues in HPV Genital Infections in relation to Cervical Cancer

Abstract

The field of cervical cancer prevention is rapidly evolving because of identification of the cause of disease. Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) has been recognized as a necessary cause of cervical cancer, and the association applies equally to both squamous cell and adenocarcinoma and is consistent worldwide. HPV 16 and 18 together attribute 70% of world's cervical cancer. HPV is highly prevalent among sexually active women and traceable in its natural history with technology that can detect HPV DMA at all stages of infection and neoplastic process. HPV DMA testing represents the scientifically obvious next step after Pap test for secondary prevention. A clinically validated and FDA approved HPV test has proven a substantial gain in sensitivity with a limited loss in speciality as compared to the standard Pap smear. We are now in the fortunate position of having two highly promising HPV vaccines in the pipeline. These vaccines today represent new hope for protection against cervical cancer, pre-cancerous cervical lesions and other HPV related condition for the current generation of adolescents, for the young and middle aged women as well as for the future generations.