Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Appears Safe in HIV-Positive Men

For men, the quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is marketed only to prevent genital warts, but studies hint that it may also protect against anal cancer. In a large, manufacturer-supported study conducted among HIV-negative individuals, the vaccine reduced the risk for persistent HPV infection in heterosexual men and lowered the incidence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia in men who have sex with men (JW AIDS Clin Care Aug 9 2010).

Now, in another manufacturer-supported study, researchers have evaluated the safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in 112 HIV-positive men (age range, 37–51; median CD4 count, 517 cells/mm³; median viral load, <200 copies/mL); 84% were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Per exclusion criteria, none …