[Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination for cancer prevention].

BACKGROUND

In 2005, the first approval study of a preventive quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in young women triggered vaccination strategies around the world.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate how successful these vaccination interventions have been in preventing cancer so far.

METHODS

To this end, we reviewed the relevant literature of the past two decades regarding vaccination rates and the subsequent decline in HPV-associated diseases worldwide.

RESULTS

For various reasons, many countries that offer HPV vaccinations are still missing their goals for primary cancer prevention. In Germany, for example, vaccination rates are completely inadequate, and urologists are not even recognized as vaccinators.

CONCLUSION

Cancer prevention through HPV vaccination is zur Hausen's scientific legacy to the world. However, each country must continuously analyze and combat its specific reasons for failing in HPV vaccination. New HPV vaccines will continue the global success story in the future.