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

HPV types are carcinogenic agents in cervical cancer. This view is supporte d by epidemiological and biological evidence. The oncogenic products and ca psid proteins of high risk HPV Spes are potential targets against which eff ective immunity may be generated by vaccination. Both therapeutic and proph lylactic immunisation are potential strategies to deal with the widespread problem of HPV infection and possibly established cervical neoplasia. Clini cal trials are now underway to evaluate candidate vaccines.