FDA Panel To Weigh Approval Of HPV Vaccination To Prevent Anal Cancer In Men

Main Category: Cervical Cancer / HPV Vaccine
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  GastroIntestinal / Gastroenterology;  Men's health
Article Date: 16 Nov 2010 - 5:00 PDT


This week, an FDA advisory committee will consider evidence pointing to the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus vaccine for prevention of anal cancer and lesions in men, potentially setting the stage for a debate about whether certain groups should be targeted for vaccination, MSNBC reports.

Since 2006, the HPV vaccine has been recommended for use in girls and young women ages nine to 26 to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts. The vaccine also is approved for the prevention of genital warts in boys and young men, but public health authorities have stopped short of recommending it for those groups. A growing body of evidence suggests the vaccine is particularly effective at preventing anal cancer in men who have sex with men, who are 20 times more likely to develop such cancers. Recent clinical data indicate the vaccine is up to 78% effective in preventing anal lesions and anal cancer in MSM.

To date, arguments about HPV vaccination largely have focused on the benefits for women and the prevention of sexual transmission among heterosexual sex partners. If the advisory committee issues a recommendation, it could lead to questions about whether there should be universal male vaccination or if only MSM should be targeted.

James Turner, immediate past president of the American College Health Association and a liaison to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said the "conundrum is many times boys or teenagers don't really fully understand or clarify their sexual orientation for years." Because the HPV vaccine is most effective if administered before the initiation of sexual activity, a vaccine targeted only to young men who identify as gay or bisexual might not reach many people who need it, MSNBC reports. Turner said, "In general, targeted vaccine programs based on risk factors tend not to be nearly as effective at reaching that population as universal vaccination in that group."

However, some other experts say it might not be cost-effective to vaccinate all young men to protect a small group. Moreover, parents might not vaccinate their sons even if it were recommended; among girls, vaccination has been low. Recent CDC data show that about 44% of eligible girls have received the first dose of the three-shot vaccine, while 27% received all three (Aleccia, MSNBC, 11/11).

Reprinted with kind permission from http://www.nationalpartnership.org. You can view the entire Daily Women's Health Policy Report, search the archives, or sign up for email delivery here. The Daily Women's Health Policy Report is a free service of the National Partnership for Women & Families.

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