(Reviewed by Dr. P.S. Chandana, M.B.B.S, MD OBG & GYN)
The primary focus of global vaccine programs has been the prevention of cervical cancer by targeting oncogenic HPV infection, the necessary cause of squamous and glandular cervical carcinomas. With growing awareness that HPV also causes cancers in men—including oral, oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers—there is increasing interest in HPV vaccination as a preventive measure for both men and women.
Globally, over 500,000 women develop cervical cancer annually, while approximately 40,000 HPV-related cancers occur in men worldwide, highlighting the significant public health impact of the disease.
HPV, or human papillomavirus, is primarily transmitted through sexual activity. While the body often clears the virus naturally, persistent infections can lead to cancer. Vaccination against HPV is an effective strategy for preventing HPV-related cancers in both men and women.
To assess the effectiveness of the male HPV vaccine, surveillance programs have been conducted in various research studies.
The primary objective of the male HPV management program is to monitor HPV behavior, assess the prevalence of infection, and evaluate disease status in vaccinated males against targeted HPV types post-vaccination.
A secondary objective is to explore the additional benefits of male vaccination in reducing HPV infections and diseases in females. (1)
The HPV vaccine safely strengthens the immune system by increasing awareness of specific HPV strains. This enables the body to clear these strains if exposed later.
HPV vaccination plays a crucial role in protecting against multiple types of cancers, particularly in males, where it helps prevent oropharyngeal, anal, and penile cancers. It is one of the most effective protective measures against HPV-related cancers. (2)
A research study analyzing data from 3.4 million patients found that the HPV vaccine significantly reduces the incidence of several HPV-related cancers, particularly head and neck cancers in males.
The study reported that vaccinated males experienced a significant decrease in all HPV-related cancers, with an incidence rate of approximately 3.4 cases per 100,000 vaccinated individuals, compared to 7.5 cases per 100,000 in unvaccinated individuals. Specifically, for head and neck cancers, the rate was about 2.8 cases per 100,000 in vaccinated males, compared to 6.3 cases per 100,000 in unvaccinated males.
A retrospective database analysis examined HPV prevalence across different cancer sites, revealing a substantial reduction in head and neck cancers in males, where these cancers are more common compared to females. "Similarly, the significant reduction in cervical cancer aligns with the high prevalence of HPV-driven cervical cancers among HPV-related cancers in females," noted Monica Avila, MD, PhD, a medical oncologist at the Gynecologic Oncology Department of Moffitt Cancer Center.
The study further confirmed the vaccine's effectiveness in females, showing a lower incidence of cervical cancer among vaccinated women—7.4 cases per 100,000 compared to 10.4 cases per 100,000 in unvaccinated women. Overall, vaccinated females had lower rates of all HPV-related cancers, with 11.5 cases per 100,000, compared to 15.8 cases per 100,000 in unvaccinated females.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University emphasized the crucial role of HPV vaccination in cancer prevention. They also highlighted the urgent need for strategies to improve HPV vaccination rates, especially considering that less than 60% of teens aged 15 to 17 are currently vaccinated against HPV.
Avila stated, "HPV vaccination is highly effective in preventing cancers predominantly caused by HPV." (3)
Since human papillomavirus causes a wide range of diseases in both men and women, ensuring HPV vaccination coverage is crucial. In men, HPV is the most common etiological agent for anogenital warts, penile cancers, and oropharyngeal cancers. Raising awareness about lifestyle modifications, prevention strategies, and the importance of vaccination is essential.
Dr. P.S. Chandana, M.B.B.S., MS OBG & GYN
Since HPV is responsible for a wide range of diseases in both men and women, ensuring widespread HPV vaccination coverage is essential. In men, HPV is the primary cause of anogenital warts, penile cancers, and oropharyngeal cancers. Raising awareness about lifestyle modifications, prevention strategies, and the importance of vaccination is crucial.
According to the American Society for Clinical Oncology's 2021 annual meeting, data indicated that HPV has led to a five-fold increase in head and neck cancers.
David Pfister, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK), noted that these cancer cases are emerging in individuals infected with the virus years ago.
MSK’s HPV Center outlined five key reasons why HPV vaccination is especially important for males:
A significant number of HPV-related cancer cases occur in men.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most current HPV-related cancer cases are head and neck cancers rather than cervical cancer.
There is no available test to detect HPV in males, unlike the Pap smear, which helps detect early-stage cervical cancer in women.
The risk of developing HPV-related cancer increases with age.
The HPV vaccine has been proven safe for boys, just as it is for girls. After rigorous safety testing, the vaccine was approved in 2006 to prevent cervical cancer in women and in 2009 to prevent HPV-related cancers in males.
MedBound Times connected with Dr. P.S. Chandana, M.B.B.S., MS OBG & GYN, Medical Officer at ESIC Hospital, Tirupati, to gain her insights on HPV vaccination in males.
Dr. Chandana emphasized, "Since human papillomavirus causes a wide range of diseases in both men and women, ensuring HPV vaccination coverage is crucial. In men, HPV is the most common etiological agent for anogenital warts, penile cancers, and oropharyngeal cancers. Raising awareness about lifestyle modifications, prevention strategies, and the importance of vaccination is essential."
The HPV vaccine is most effective when administered before an individual becomes sexually active. The recommended age for vaccination is between 9 and 14 years.
Preventing cancer through vaccination is a far more effective approach than treating it in both men and women. The HPV vaccine is a critical tool in the fight against cancer, offering a proactive measure to protect individuals from HPV-related diseases.
Note: This content is purely informational and isn’t medical guidance. It shouldn’t replace professional medical counsel. Always consult your physician regarding treatment risks and benefits.
References:
1. Brotherton, J. M., Giuliano, A. R., Markowitz, L. E., Dunne, E. F., & Ogilvie, G. S. (2016). Monitoring the impact of HPV vaccine in males—Considerations and challenges. Papillomavirus Research, 2, 106–111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pvr.2016.05.001Accessed March 11, 2025
2. Jefferson DeKloe. 2024. ASCO Annual Meeting. Effects of HPV vaccination on the development of HPV-related cancers: A retrospective analysis of a United States-based cohort. J Clin Oncol 42, 2024 (suppl 16; abstr 10507)https://meetings.asco.org/abstracts-presentations/231759 Accessed March 11, 2025.
3. Kim Polacek, APR, CPRC. New Study Reveals HPV Vaccination Benefits Men Too. June 1, 2024. https://www.moffitt.org/endeavor/archive/new-study-reveals-hpv-vaccine-benefits-men-too/ Accessed March 11, 2025
4. Reasons Boys and Young Men Need the HPV Vaccine, Too. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Institute. June 2, 2021.https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/doctors/david-pfister Accessed March 11, 2025
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