HPV Vaccination Prevents More Cancers Than Cervical

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is linked with cancers beyond cervical. Persistent HPV infection can also lead to oropharyngeal, anal, vulvar, penile, and vaginal cancers, explained Kellie Jones Weddle, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, a clinical professor in the college of pharmacy at Purdue University, and Sandra Cuellar, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, FASHP, clinical associate professor in the college of pharmacy at the University of Illinois Chicago, during their session at Great Debates & Updates Oncology Pharmacy.

HPV infection is the primary risk factor for cervical cancer; some 99% of cervical cancer cases are associated with the sexually transmitted infection, according to the presentation. Although rates are lower with other cancers, their relationship to HPV is significant: HPV plays a role in 30% to 69% of vulvar cancer cases, 70% of new oropharyngeal cancer cases, 86% to 97% of US anal cancer cases, and 45% to 80% of penile cancer cases.

Overall, HPV vaccination could prevent more than 90% of such cancers when administered at recommended ages, the presenters explained.

“Preventing HPV infection likely leads to decrease in precancerous lesions and cancer,” stated a session slide.

Data on HPV vaccination and prevention for noncervical cancers, however, is limited.

Current guidelines recommend a two-dose HPV vaccination schedule for patients between age 9 and 14 years, and a three-dose schedule for those age 15 to 26 years. For adults age 27 to 45 years, HPV vaccination provides less benefit because individuals have likely already been exposed to HPV. Consequently, the American Cancer Society does not recommend HPV vaccination for the older age group, but the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices does.

As organizations and public service announcements push to increase HPV vaccination rates for both girls and boys, educating the public about HPV’s link with cancers beyond cervical is key, the presenters pointed out.

“Parents, children, and healthcare professionals need to be educated on the importance of this vaccine,” the educators stated.

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they pointed out, “HPV prevention is cancer prevention!”