Cervical Cancer Vaccine: A Boon Or Bane?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted pathogen that causes anogenital and oropharyngeal disease in males and females.

- DR (BRIG) A K DHAR

There are various genotypes and amongst them genotype 16 and 18 causes 70 % cancer cervix and 90% anal cancers globally. Rest of the genotypes like 31,33,45 ,52 58 cause rest of 20-30% cervical cancers. HPV vaccines have been developed to prevent HPV infection and development of associated HPV related anogenital and cervical diseases.

The risk factors are as follows

1. Multiple sexual partners and unprotected penetrative sex.

2. Contaminated Fomite, and digital/vaginal also spread the virus.

It will be the imperative to consider the possibility of an underlying immune disorder in patients with particularly severe or refractory HPV infection. Human papillomavirus virus vaccine is beneficial for both females and males. In females it is most effective in prevention of cervical cancer.

Human papilloma virus quadrivalent, or human papillomavirus bivalent vaccine provides a direct benefit to female recipients by safely protecting against cancers that can result from persistent HPV infection. This preventive effect is most notable and best studied with cervical cancer, while in males it provides direct benefit by preventing genital cancer and warts.