Human papillomavirus vaccine and cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women worldwide, with the highest rates observed in underdeveloped countries. In the last decades, its incidence has decreased after the implementation of screening programs, mainly in developed countries. Infection with high-risk oncogenic HPV is associated with precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Advances in the understanding of the role of HPV in the etiology of high-grade cervical lesions (CIN 2/3) and cervical cancer have led to the development, evaluation and recommendation of two prophylactic HPV vaccines. This review article provides a summary of the studies related with their development and efficacy.