[Viruses and cervical cancers]

Currently it is evident that human papillomaviruses are involved in the development of cervical cancer. The mechanisms of cancer initiation are in relation with certain types of papillomavirus. But the discrepancy between the high prevalence of papillomavirus infection and the low frequency of cancer in infected women, gives evidence of the importance of healing process in relation with the host's immune response and the activation of other carcinogenic factors. The understanding of the role of papillomavirus in cervical cancer, gives prospects to prophylactic and therapeutic strategies in relation with antiviral treatments or papillomavirus-specific vaccines.