Prophylactic cancer vaccines: development and challenges for HBV and HPV vaccines in Latin America

Vaccines against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human papillomaviruses (HPV) are two safe and highly effective vaccines that were developed at the end of the 20th century and can prevent human cancer. HBV vaccine prevents liver cancer, and HPV prevents cervical and other HPV-related cancers. Starting with the immunogen identification, 15 years were necessary to reach the industrial production of HBV vaccine, and 20 years, for the HPV vaccines. However, while HBV vaccines have been commercially available for over 40 years and are used in most countries, there are still significant challenges to achieve universal childhood immunization against hepatitis B. Similarly, HPV vaccines have been commercially available for 17 years, and yet, countries with higher cervical cancer still have the lowest HPV vaccination rates. We describe the development of HBV and HPV vaccines and discuss the challenges to reaching equitable access to these vaccines in Latin America.