Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Males: The State of the Science

Abstract

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an extremely prevalent sexually transmitted infection that is typically acquired soon after onset of sexual activity. The burden of HPV-related malignant and nonmalignant disease is high in men and women. High-risk or oncogenic types of HPV cause cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancer in women. These types have also been shown to cause penile cancer in men and a substantial proportion of oropharyngeal and anal malignancy in men and women. Low-risk types of HPV cause anogenital warts. Prevention of penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers and anogenital warts represents potential benefits of the HPV vaccine in men. This review focuses on HPV disease in men, existing data on HPV vaccination in men, and various factors associated with the decision to vaccinate boys and young men, as well as the timing of vaccination.

Genital Epstein Barr Virus is associated with higher prevalence and persistence of anal human papillomavirus in HIV-infected men on antiretroviral therapy

“…The prevalence of anal HPV infection in HIV-infected men is high in the US, as is the prevalence of anal infections with multiple HPV types [ 1 , 3 ]. Findings for clearance of cervical HPV in women cannot be extrapolated to MSM because of anatomic and structural differences, and it is important to understand what factors are associated with increased prevalence and persistence of HPV infection in the HIV-infected MSM population.…”

“…Human Papillomaviruses (HPV) are sexually transmitted and can infect the genital and anal areas, mouth, and throat [ 1 ]. Over 100 types of HPV are reported and at least 14 are considered high-risk (HR) for leading to cancer of infected body sites [ 2 , 3 ]. While the association between HR-HPV infection and cervical cancer in women is universally recognized, convincing evidence also demonstrates a strong link between HR-HPV infection and anal cancer especially among men who have sex with men (MSM) [ 4 , 5 ].…”

“…The incidence of anal cancer in the MSM population has risen in the last few decades, and HIV-infected MSM are at the highest risk with approximately 80 per 100,000 men (compared to 2 per 100,000 men in the general population), even with antiretroviral therapy (ART) [ 6 ]. The global estimate of HR-HPV infection in MSM in the US ranges from 48 to over 95 % for the HIV-infected population [ 1 , 3 , 7 , 8 ]. Although many HR-HPV infections in men and women have been shown to be transient in nature, a small percentage persist and can progress to genital warts, pre-neoplastic and malignant lesions of the anus, penis, and oropharynx [ 5 ].…”

The Sexual Ethics of HPV Vaccination for Boys

“…2013)]. However some have argued that the vaccine should be administered routinely to boys too as (1) HPV constitutes a nonnegligible health risk for males as well and (2) boys' vaccination also protects girls since boys transmit the virus as well (Barroso and Wilkin 2011;Kubba 2008).…”

Human Papillomavirus and Related Diseases - From Bench to Bedside - A Clinical Perspective

“…Nevertheless, the vaccine should decrease penile cancer caused by HPV 16 and 18, which are the most common subtypes associated with penile carcinomas. Vaccination is likely to have a more substantial benefit for benign HPV-related diseases of the penis, such as condyloma acuminata, which are far more common in any population (Barroso et al, 2011).…”