Researchers have only been aware of the link between human papillomaviruses (HPV) and various types of cancer for the past few decades. Today, we know that certain types of HPV are primarily responsible for the development of cervical cancer and other tumors in the genital and head and neck area. Since then, medical advances have yielded remarkable results. Vaccines, new screening methods and innovative treatments are proving effective in preventing or treating HPV infections and their serious consequences at an early stage.
A human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can have life-changing consequences. Even so, most people do not notice anything at first, as many HPV infections heal spontaneously. However, some remain – and years later can cause serious illnesses such as cervical cancer, rectal cancer or throat cancer.
In Switzerland, around 250 new cases of cervical cancer are diagnosed every year and around 70 women die from it1. This type of cancer claims hundreds of thousands of lives worldwide2. Many of these tragedies could be prevented thanks to the effective options offered by research and medicine today: vaccination, early detection and innovative treatments.
What are human papillomaviruses (HPV)?
HPV is a group of more than 200 different virus types. Of these, around 40 affect the mucous membranes of the genital area and other regions. Some types cause benign genital warts. Others, known as high-risk HPV, can lead to cancer2.
HPV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact. It is estimated that more than 80% of sexually active people will become infected with HPV at least once in their lives [2]. In most cases, the infection has no consequences – but for a small group of individuals it can have serious consequences.
From threat to opportunity: milestones in HPV research
Just a few decades ago, the link between HPV and cancer was all but unheard of. Women with cervical cancer often received a poor prognosis. Thanks to groundbreaking research, it is now clear that almost all cases of cervical cancer are due to chronic infection with high-risk HPV2.
This breakthrough was the basis for the development of HPV vaccines. These vaccines have been available since 2006 and provide targeted protection against the most dangerous types of human papillomavirus. New generations of these vaccines now cover even more virus types, thus offering further protection2.
Great strides have also been made in the field of early detection. The classic Pap smear has been supplemented by modern HPV tests that can detect infections at a much earlier stage – even before pathological cell changes or the development of cancer4.
At the same time, research into treatments is progressing steadily: researchers are working on innovative forms of immunotherapy that can be used specifically against existing HPV-associated tumors6.
Vaccination: a triumph of prevention
The HPV vaccines mentioned above are now a key component of prevention. They prevent infections involving the most dangerous HPV types – and therefore most cases of cervical cancer3. In Switzerland, vaccination is recommended for all male and female adolescents aged 11 to 141. Booster vaccinations can be given up to the age of 26. In regions with high vaccination rates, the incidence of precancerous diseases has already fallen by up to 88%3.
In addition to the widespread use of proven vaccines, research into new, even more targeted approaches is progressing steadily. An impressive example of this progress is a vaccine candidate that specifically targets HPV-16-positive tumors. Initial studies show a significant improvement in the survival rate among patients with advanced cervical or head and neck cancer6. Further research is now also being conducted into mRNA technology, which became known worldwide due to COVID-19, for use in HPV vaccines and treatments3.
Early detection: stopping cancer before it develops
Medicine offers protection even if an infection has already occurred: regular HPV tests and Pap smears allow cell changes to be detected at an early stage. Modern tests are more sensitive than traditional methods and allow for even more targeted prevention4. In Switzerland, women between the ages of 21 and 70 are offered screenings1. Recent recommendations discuss the use of HPV primary tests, which test directly for viral infections rather than cellular changes. Initial studies suggest that this could further improve the detection rate3.
New horizons: treatments of the future
Research does not end with prevention. Researchers are currently developing promising therapies for the treatment of existing HPV-associated cancers. The focus is on a variety of innovative approaches. Immunotherapies aim to activate the body’s own immune system against HPV-positive tumor cells6. In addition, therapeutic vaccines are being researched that do not protect against infection like conventional vaccines, but counteract existing HPV infections and the resulting cancers. Gene therapies, which can repair or deliberately destroy diseased cells, are also opening up new treatment paths. Personalized immunotherapies that are individually tailored to the genetic and molecular characteristics of a tumor are a particularly exciting development. These promising approaches are currently in the clinical trial stage and could play an important role in cancer treatment in the future6.
Research for an HPV-free future in Switzerland
Switzerland is heavily involved in the fight against HPV. National vaccination programs, education campaigns and scientific projects such as the “Swiss HPV Vaccination and Screening Program” are proof that research, politics and society can make progress together1. As a home to many innovative biotech and pharmaceutical companies, Switzerland invests billions into medical research every year. Projects involving the development of new vaccines or treatments against HPV benefit from this dynamic environment.
1 Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). HPV Information, 2023. 2 WHO. Global strategy to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer, 2022. 3 Lancet. Population-level impact and herd effects following human papillomavirus vaccination programmes: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 2021. 4 Swiss Cancer League. Cervical cancer and HPV. 5 Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. HPV Vaccine Programmes, 2023. 6 De Vos van Steenwijk PJ et al. ISA101 and immune-checkpoint blockade: a phase 2 study. Lancet Oncol. 2019.
Human papillomaviruses (HPV)
are widespread viruses affecting the skin and mucous membranes. Some types of HPV are considered particularly dangerous because they can contribute to the development of different types of cancer. It is estimated that over 80% of all people become infected with HPV during their lifetime – often without noticing it. An infection can have serious consequences, including cervical cancer, rectal cancer and throat and oral cancer. Genital warts are also included in the list of possible symptoms. Effective preventive measures are available today, not least HPV vaccines and regular check-ups for the early detection of any changes.
