The recognition of a strong etiological relationship between infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses and cervical cancer has prompted research to develop and evaluate prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. One prophylactic quadrivalent vaccine using L1 virus-like particles (VLP) of HPV6, 11, 16 and 18 (Gardasil®) is available on the European market since the end of 2006 and a second bivalent vaccine containing virus-like particles of HPV16 and HPV18 (Cervarix®) is available since 2007. HPV16 and HPV18 cause approximately 43000 cases of cervical cancer each year. Results of the phase-IIb and III trials published thus far demonstrate that the L1 VLP HPV vaccine is safe and well-tolerated. It offers HPV-naive women a very high level of protection when compared to HPV persistent infection and cervical intra-epithelial lesions associated with the types included in the vaccine. HPV vaccination should be offered to girls before onset of sexual activity. Although prophylactic vaccination is likely to provide important future health gains, cervical screening should also be continued.

Keywords: Vaccination, HPV, cervical cancer