Researchers urge expanded HPV vaccine coverage and integration with HIV services to curb rising cancer burden, especially in Africa.
By Bunmi Yekini
Patients living with HIV and AIDS are at a markedly higher risk of developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-related noncervical cancers, particularly anal, vaginal, vulvar, penile, and oropharyngeal cancers, according to new research published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
The study, which analyzed data from over 1.5 million HIV-positive individuals across 25 studies, found that the risk of anal cancer among HIV patients is more than 30 times higher than in HIV-negative populations. Elevated risks were also recorded for vaginal (15.78 times higher), vulvar (6.99), penile (6.37), and oropharyngeal (2.74) cancers.
“The findings are a wake-up call that the fight against HPV-related cancers should not stop at cervical cancer,” the researchers said. “Our results demonstrate that further research recognizing the HPV vaccine’s potential beyond cervical cancer is warranted.”
Globally, the burden of HPV-related cancers linked to HIV was found to be highest in Africa, where up to 30 percent of such cases are attributed to HIV infection, compared with just 5 percent worldwide.
Despite the proven effectiveness of HPV vaccines, global coverage remains low. The study’s modeling suggests that if HPV vaccination reached 90 percent coverage, more than 7,400 noncervical cancer cases, could be prevented annually among people living with HIV and AIDS, over double the current number.
Researchers also noted that integrating HPV vaccination programs with existing HIV services could help bridge gaps in access and improve outcomes in resource-limited settings.
“Limited resources, unequal vaccine access, and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic continue to hinder prevention efforts,” the authors noted. “Expanding HPV vaccine access and pairing it with HIV care delivery could dramatically reduce cancer risk for millions.”
The study, supported by the International Treatment Preparedness Coalition, adds to growing calls for a broader public health response to HPV prevention beyond cervical cancer screening.