HPV vaccination reduces HPV-related cancer risk in men by about half, study suggests

A retrospective cohort study of over 510,000 vaccinated and 510,000 unvaccinated males ages 9–26 found vaccinated males had about half the risk of HPV-related cancers (HR 0.54); similar reductions were observed for those vaccinated at ages 9–14 and 15–26.

Researchers published a retrospective cohort study in JAMA Oncology examining whether the nine-valent HPV vaccine reduces HPV-related cancers in males. They analyzed health records for large matched groups of vaccinated and unvaccinated males aged 9 to 26 and followed participants for up to 10 years. The analysis aimed to clarify benefits for males because HPV causes cancers in both sexes and vaccination programs have often focused on females. The study's findings are being discussed in the context of vaccination policy. Key findings: - The study compared 510,260 vaccinated males with 510,260 unvaccinated males, ages 9–26, with up to 10 years of follow-up. - Receipt of at least one dose of the nine-valent HPV vaccine was associated with a lower risk of HPV-related cancers (hazard ratio 0.54). - Males vaccinated at ages 9–14 had a reported 42% lower risk (HR 0.58), and those vaccinated at ages 15–26 had a reported 50% lower risk (HR 0.50). - HPV-related cancers referenced in the study include head and neck, anal, and penile cancers. - The authors noted limitations, including possible misclassification of diagnoses, vaccinations occurring outside participating health systems, and an inability to adjust for high-risk sexual behaviors. Summary: The study adds to evidence that HPV vaccination is associated with substantially lower rates of HPV-related cancers in males and supports discussion of sex-neutral vaccination programs. Undetermined at this time.