Prophylactic human papilloma virus vaccination in head and neck: indications and future perspectives

To gain the evidence-based knowledge concerning the efficacy of HPV vaccination for oropharyngeal sites and to highlight the trials and strategies for vaccine administration in HPV-dependent head and neck diseases.

Vaccination can be provided in two injections. There is increasing anecdotal evidence that therapeutic vaccination is effective in treatment of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.

The availability and broadening spectrum of HPV vaccines make possible the prevention of cervical and other HPV-dependent diseases. Vaccination is now included in the national immunization programs of most industrial countries and will be used, it is hoped, in developing countries within the next few years. In developing countries, few women are screened for cervical precancerous lesions, making immunization even more important. In affluent countries and matured societies, with high coverage of cervical screening, the focus of interest will shift to other HPV-related diseases. The HPV vaccination is effective in preventing oral infection with types targeted by the vaccines.