Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a heterogeneous and still growing virus family. Topical research results on the replication cycle and carcinogenic mechanisms allow a better understanding of current prevention strategies. Written by leading experts, this volume of Monographs in Virology provides up-to-date information on the prevention of papillomavirus-induced cancers by prophylactic antiviral vaccines and early detection of precancerous lesions. A major section covers the tremendous clinical burden due to HPV infections: genital warts and laryngeal papillomas, the most notorious cervical cancer, but also further anogenital and tonsillar cancer, the incidence of which increased steeply during the last decades. Additionally, a section on prevention addresses the subject cytology - new concepts of biomarker development, detection of HPV DNA and RNA as well as their use in primary screening for early detection of precancerous lesions. Finally the book closes with a topical discussion of the most intriguing primary prevention of HPV infection by vaccination. As new perspectives for the prevention of HPV-related neoplasia raised great public interest, this book will be of value to clinicians and practitioners in gynecology, dermatology, urology and ENT, to pathologists, laboratory physicians, medical students, and public health authorities.
