HPV Vaccine Beneficial in Men Who Have Sex with Men

A quadrivalent HPV vaccine significantly reduced the rate of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in this high-risk population.

The incidence of anal cancer has been increasing in recent years. Often caused by infection with human papillomavirus (HPV), particularly types 16 and 18, this cancer is preceded by high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN; grade 2 or 3). Might the quadrivalent HPV vaccine, which is protective against high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in women, also protect against AIN? To find out, investigators conducted a multinational, double-blind, controlled vaccine trial in men who have sex with men — a group at high risk for HPV infection and its oncologic complications. The trial was partially funded by the vaccine manufacturer.

A total of 602 men, aged 16 to 26 and HIV negative at the time of enrollment, were randomized to receive…

Reviewing Author

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)

Larry M. Baddour, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate, Inc. (Authorship duties)