A cancer vaccine containing a live-attenuated strain of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) encoding human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 E7 fused to a non-hemolytic listeriolysin O protein with potential immunostimulatory and antineoplastic activities. Upon vaccination, Listeria expresses the HPV 16 E7 antigen and activates the immune system to mount a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) response against cancer cells expressing HPV 16 E7. This may result in tumor cell lysis. In addition, the Listeria vector itself may induce a potent immune response. HPV 16 E7, a cell surface glycoprotein and tumor associated antigen, is overexpressed in the majority of cervical cancer cells.