HPV-induced cancers: preclinical therapeutic advancements.

Prophylactic vaccines can prevent the insurgence of HPV-related cancers, but have no effect against preexisting infections. Moreover, their high cost, genotype-restricted effect and the growing worldwide distrust for vaccines make the availability of a specific drug an unmet medical need. Different viral early proteins emerge as ideal candidates for drug development. We highlight the most promising strategies and address future challenges in this field to herald the prospect of a specific therapeutic regimen against HPV-related cancers.