Published online Feb 10, 2016. doi: 10.5317/wjog.v5.i1.5
Peer-review started: July 3, 2015
First decision: September 22, 2015
Revised: October 16, 2015
Accepted: November 24, 2015
Article in press: November 25, 2015
Published online: February 10, 2016
Processing time: 216 Days and 8.1 Hours
Infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major cause of pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the urogenital tract, resulting in morbidity and mortality worldwide. HPV-related infection is responsible for most cases of cervical cancer, a leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Developed countries have screening programs in place to detect precancerous lesions at early stages; in resource-limited settings however, HPV related diseases are often identified in advanced stages. This is due to limitations in the availability and roll out of effective screening programs. The relatively recent availability of the HPV vaccine has provided a new public health opportunity to decrease the incidence of HPV-related disease. The high mortality rates seen in developing countries could be reduced through effective implementation of HPV vaccination programs. Large trials have proven the efficacy of bivalent, quadrivalent vaccine and most recently 9-valent vaccine. Uptake in vaccination remains low due to multiple barriers including lack of education, lack of access, and costs. New strategies are being assessed to increase access, increase knowledge and reduce costs that may result in feasible vaccination programs worldwide. The goal of this article is to review the effectiveness and safety of the current HPV vaccines available, vaccine delivery strategies, cost effectiveness, and efforts to improve the acceptability. A literature search was conducted through PubMed using the terms “HPV vaccination, and safety, and males, and acceptability and strategies, and cost effectiveness,”focusing on articles published between 2006 and 2015. The most relevant and larger scale trials were evaluated for discussion.
Core tip: Human papilloma virus (HPV) represents the major cause of pre-invasive and invasive lesions of the urogenital tract. This article will review the efficacy, safety and approval of the currently available vaccines against HPV including the bivalent, quadrivalent and nine-valent vaccines. Indications for use in men, immunocompromised individuals and older cohorts will also be discussed. Additionally a summary of worldwide vaccination practices, cost effectiveness, vaccination and methods to improve vaccination uptake and acceptance will be reviewed.