Impacto de la vacunación frente a virus del papiloma humano: hacia la eliminación del cáncer de cuello de útero

Certain human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes are a necessary cause of cervical cancer and are linked to the etiology of a fraction of anogenital and head and neck carcinomas. Currently, twelve HPV types have been classified as definitively carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, of which HPV16 is the most carcinogenic genotype. The carcinogenic classification of HPVs is based on extensive epidemiological studies and biological evidence conducted over the past decades and thanks to the strong collaboration between scientists seeking to uncover the etiology of cervical cancer. HPVs 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 45, 52, and 58 are responsible for more than 90% of cervical cancers. Since 2006, three effective prophylactic vaccines have been approved in Europe, and have demonstrated to be immunogenic, safe, efficacious and effective. The demonstration of HPV as a necessary cause of cervical cancer has also led to the refinement of screening strategies, such as the introduction of primary HPV testing. Comprehensive cancer research, from etiology to prevention, has had a significant impact on global public health policies, so much so that in 2020 the World Health Organization launched the campaign to eliminate cervical cancer, a possible milestone never before considered in the field of oncology.