HPV Vaccines Beyond the Cervix: Are We Underutilizing a Cancer-Preventing Tool?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common viral infection of the reproductive system, and estimates suggest that almost 80% of sexually active individuals will acquire the virus at some point in their lifetime. While the confirmed link between HPV and cervical cancer appropriately fueled vaccine efforts and public health campaigns, other HPV-related malignancies—namely, oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), anal cancer, and penile cancer—are increasingly regarded as HPV-related diseases. Notably, HPV-16 is the genotype that is most frequently detected in relation to these malignancies. Indeed, the age-standardized incidence of HPV-associated OPSCC is even higher compared to that of cervical cancer in many high-income countries, most notably among middle-aged men. Yet, vaccination policies tend to ignore routine immunization of boys and young men, inadvertently perpetuating disparities in cancer prevention between the sexes. In the lack of organized screening for these neoplasms, primary prevention by vaccination assumes the utmost importance. Here, we seek to synthesize the current evidence in order to assess whether the potential of HPV vaccination to prevent non-cervical cancers—most notably in men—are being maximized.