Development and impact of human papillomavirus vaccines.

Cervical cancer is a global health crisis that disproportionately affects developing nations and underserved populations. Two vaccines targeting HPV-16 and 18, which account for 70% of invasive cervical carcinomas, are licensed in the United States and numerous countries worldwide. Both vaccine formulations have shown excellent efficacy with minimal toxicity. Numerous questions remain, including cost-effectiveness, vaccination of males, societal acceptance of HPV vaccination, and cervical dysplasia screening in the HPV-immunized population. Access to vaccination for underserved populations both in developed and resource-poor nations remains an issue. Multivalent vaccines that encompass additional oncogenic HPV strains are under development.