The use of vaccines in treating cervical cancer: present status and future prospects

HPV types are carcinogenic agents in cervical cancer. This view is supported by epidemiological and biological evidence. The oncogenic products and capsid proteins of high risk HPV Spes are potential targets against which effective immunity may be generated by vaccination. Both therapeutic and prophlylactic immunisation are potential strategies to deal with the widespread problem of HPV infection and possibly established cervical neoplasia. Clinical trials are now underway to evaluate candidate vaccines.