Efficacy and long-term impact of HPV vaccination strategies: A Scoping review of clinical trials and follow-up studies
Pharmacy Practice
Abstract
Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a leading cause of cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers globally. Vaccination against HPV has proven to be a pivotal intervention in reducing the burden of these diseases. However, questions remain regarding long-term efficacy, dosing strategies, and real-world outcomes of HPV vaccines. Objective: We aim to synthesise evidence from randomised controlled trials and long-term follow-up studies on the efficacy, immunogenicity, safety, and real-world impact of HPV vaccines. Methodology: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published in English from 2019 to 2024. Eligible studies included randomised controlled trials and long-term follow-up analyses focusing on HPV vaccine efficacy, dosing regimens, and population-specific outcomes. Data were extracted and synthesised narratively, with findings organised into five thematic areas. Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings confirm the high efficacy of HPV vaccines in preventing HPV-related cancers and precancers, with durable immunogenicity observed up to 12 years post-vaccination. Evidence supports the potential of single-dose regimens, which could improve accessibility in resource-limited settings. Real-world data demonstrated significant reductions in HPV-related diseases across diverse populations, reinforcing the global impact of HPV vaccination programs. Conclusion: This review highlights the critical role of HPV vaccines in reducing the burden of HPV-related cancers, with robust efficacy, long-term protection, and favourable safety profiles. The findings underscore the need for continued research into optimised vaccination strategies and the expansion of global vaccination efforts.
Keywords
- Human Papillomavirus
- HPV-vaccine
- Cervical Cancer
- Efficacy
- Safety
- Clinical Trial