Human Papillomavirus Vaccine / 한양의대학술지

ABSTRACT

Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine is designed to prevent cervical cancer by preventing HPV infection of the uterine cervix. HPV vaccines are made of virus-like particles which are composed of L1 protein of viral coats. Two HPV vaccines have been developed. "Cervarix" is a bivalent vaccine which contains L1 protein of HPV 16 and HPV 18, and "Gardasil" is a quadrivalent vaccine which contained L1 protein of HPV 6 and HPV 11 in addition to HPV16 and HPV18. Clinical studies showed that both vaccines are highly effective to prevent cervical, vaginal and vulvar precancerous lesion in the population who are naive to HPV infection. Furthermore quadrivalent vaccine showed high efficacy to prevent genital warts. Efficacy of the vaccine decreased in total population who included both HPV-naive and HPV-infected people. Both vaccines demonstrated immune responses and immune memory up to 5 years. Safety studies showed no demonstrable major adverse reaction. From the public health standpoint, HPV vaccine is an important vaccine for young adolescent girls who have not begun sexual activities. Efficacy for mid-aged women needs more evidence based on pathology-based efficacy studies.