Human papillomavirus: optimizing opportunities for prevention

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection and a precursor to anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers.
• HPV vaccination offers effective prevention against HPV-associated diseases, including genital warts, precancerous cervical lesions, and cervical cancer.
• Vaccine indications have expanded to include the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer, which is increasing in incidence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on HPV prevention in the US.
• To review trends in HPV disease burden.
• To examine HPV vaccine effectiveness, recommendations, and implementation barriers.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on HPV infection and vaccination.
• Analysis of disease burden trends.
• Evaluation of vaccine effectiveness studies and recommendations.

Main Results:

• HPV vaccination demonstrates potential to prevent most HPV-attributable cancers.
• Ongoing research is exploring vaccine protection duration, effectiveness in diverse populations, optimal schedules, and strategies to improve access and uptake.
• Barriers to HPV vaccine uptake persist despite demonstrated effectiveness and routine recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Addressing gaps in vaccine uptake is critical for sustained impact on HPV-associated disease and cancer prevention.
• Strong recommendations, increased awareness initiatives, and targeted strategies can improve uptake in hesitant populations.
• Global efforts to strengthen immunization programs are necessary to expand access to HPV vaccination.