Vaccines against human papillomavirus (HPV): incorporation of the pediatrician to the fiht against cervical cancer

Abstract Anogenital infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) is a very common sexually transmitted infection in sexually active individuals. Although most infections undergo a benign course and resolve spontaneously, persistent infection by certain HPV genotypes is causally associated with the development of cervical cancer as well as of a fraction of other anogenital cancers. Data from several clinical trials testing two HPV vaccines, a bivalent vaccine against HPVs 16 and 18 and a tetravalent vaccine against HPVs 6, 11, 16 and 18, indicate that both are safe, immunogenic and highly efficacious for the prevention not only of persistent HPV infections by the vaccine types, but also for the prevention of immediate precursor lesions of invasive cervical cancer caused by these types. Additionally, the tetravalent vaccine has proved to be also highly efficacious for the prevention of genital warts or condilomas and neoplasia of the vulva and the vagina. The biomedical and scientific community is very optimistic and believes that in the next 25-30 years a reduction in the incidence rates of cervical cancer and other HPV-related lesions will be observed. The pediatrician plays an important role in the successful implementation of HPV vaccines among pre-adolescent girls, the prioritized target population to achieve the maximum preventive potential of these vaccines. The pediatrician must get involved in educating parents and pre-adolescents about the importance of HPV vaccines for the prevention of a cancer that may develop in adulthood. This is a unique opportunity to actively and directly contribute to the prevention of cervical cancer. Key words: Human papillomavirus, Vaccine, Epidemiology, Cervical cancer, Prevention.