Prevention of human papillomavirus-associated cervical disease in the 21st century

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary pathogen involved in the development of cervical cancer. HPV infection is widespread worldwide. Comprehensive prevention of high-risk oncogenic HPV infection is the main strategy for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Raising awareness of the issue, expanding vaccination coverage, developing modern vaccines and diagnostic methods, and increasing public education all contribute to a more rapid achievement of this goal. This review presents the latest data on current HPV prevention and diagnostic methods, as well as future prospects for addressing this issue in the near term. It highlights recent findings from both Russian and international studies. The review analyzes current approaches to the issue and provides statistics on the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of cervical cancer in the Russian Federation and other countries. A consistent downward trend in the incidence of cervical cancer has been observed in the countries that have implemented screening and HPV vaccination programs. The main risk factors are identified, including those related to the virus itself and to individual lifestyle. Key mechanisms of HPV-driven oncogenesis are presented, along with preventive screening programs aimed at detecting dysplastic changes and preventing the development of invasive cancer. The currently approved vaccines worldwide are discussed in terms of efficacy and safety, as well as ongoing research on new vaccine development.