Human papillomavirus vaccine: waiting for a miracle

CMAJ is publishing this special issue on the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in part to acknowledge those researchers who developed the HPV vaccine and to acknowledge the pharmaceutical industry, which embarked on the long and difficult task of bringing these vaccines to market. Vaccines have never been considered lucrative from an industry perspective. However, from a public health perspective, they have prevented or eradicated many diseases. Indeed, the introduction of the polio vaccine to Canada in 1955 ended an annual horror of outbreaks. Now, the HPV vaccines, in combination with cervical cancer screening programs, have the potential to make cervical cancer deaths a bad memory. In this issue, we summarize the existing evidence, determine the number needed to be vaccinated and discuss policy-related concerns (Box 1).

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Box 1

There is still a lot to do. Despite a great beginning, there are many unanswered questions pertaining to long-term efficacy, optimal dosing, overall effectiveness against HPV in the real world and optimal delivery modalities in high-risk and impoverished populations.1

While there is guarded optimism about the potential long-term benefit of the 2 new HPV vaccines, there is growing concern that vaccine development efforts may be mothballed in favour of more profitable pharmaceutical products. The high cost of vaccine development and limited markets, coupled with some people's vaccine angst, have conspired to make vaccine development unattractive, especially in comparison to “lifestyle” drugs, such as sildenafil — a surefire money-maker because of its widespread, regular use. Given the magnitude of investment, only a handful of large companies remain committed to vaccine research and development. Yet, as exemplified by the polio saga, vaccines can be remarkably efficacious in preventing diseases and demonstrably diminishing human suffering.

HPV vaccines hold a similar promise. However, they will need a helping hand. Cervical cancer has a predilection for the impoverished and disenfranchised in developed and developing countries. In the Western world, vaccination and cervical cancer screening programs for high-risk individuals, such as Aboriginal youth, street youth and people living in poverty-stricken areas, present significant barriers to eradicating cervical cancer. Worldwide, over 80% of cervical cancer deaths occur in developing countries, where 470 000 cases are confirmed annually (approximating half the number of new cases of breast cancer).2

Developing countries must not be left behind. The delays and barriers that occurred in the fight to eradicate polio in Africa and Southeast Asia must not be replicated in the attack on cervical cancer with the HPV vaccine and cervical cancer screening programs. This fight will require more than money and vaccines; it will require country-specific implementation strategies, leadership, infrastructure and cultural sensitivity. Major pharmaceutical companies have much to contribute, because they have an abundance of leadership, management and logistics expertise, and administrative staff. CMAJ implores the vaccine industry to donate generously of its time and expertise to create a miracle. We encourage companies to work with key players, including local authorities, nongovernmental agencies and funders, so that HPV vaccines and cervical cancer screening programs can be rolled out in developing countries. The potential for a miracle is present: the tools (vaccine and screening) are here. Cervical cancer can be beaten.