The HPV Vaccine Gardasil Now Approved For Prevention of Head & Neck Cancers– As Cases Rise in Men

A current study is underway with 6,000 men to see if the vaccine reduces their chance of getting HPV infection in their throats. The results of this will add strength to this approval that may contribute to changing the way specialists think about vaccines for cancer prevention.

HPV and Cancer Connection

For the past two decades, HPV has been studied as a cause of certain cancers, including cervical, vulvar, vaginal, anal, penile, throat, and other head and neck cancers.

The virus spreads through intimate contact such as vaginal, oral, or anal sex. There are over 200 types of HPV-related viruses with only a few of these types are related to cancer. Most often, the immune system helps to clear the infection. It's not well understood, but some people do not clear the infection. It lingers over a period of years eventually turning into cancer.

RELATED: HPV and Cancer Risk: The Basics

Each year, over 34,000 new cases of cancer-related to HPV are discovered. Of these, over 13,000 people are diagnosed with throat or head and neck cancer each year. HPV-related cancers are often silent. Most people who have HPV are not aware of their infection, as symptoms are not evident until years later when long-term cell damage from the virus causes cancer.

“The recent FDA approval for Gardasil 9 is an important preventative measure for head and neck cancer, especially those arising in the oropharynx.  The use of this vaccine should have a significant impact on decreasing the occurrence of these cancers, which are often HPV related,” says Dr. Mark S. Persky, a head and neck cancer expert at NYU Langone’s Perlmutter Cancer Center and a professor of head and neck surgery at NYU Langone.

Once diagnosed, treatment for head and neck cancers often includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. The impact to patients is tremendous, causing a myriad of changes to everyday life, including physical changes such as pain, recovery from surgery, impact on swallowing, eating, and talking, as well as financial and emotional burdens.

Should Adults Get the Vaccine?

If you're a young adult, you may be wondering if you should get the vaccine. The vaccine can be given to adults up to age 45 who did not receive the vaccine as a child. You may see less benefit from the vaccine as you are more likely to have already been exposed to HPV. However, if you feel you are at risk for new HPV infections, have a conversation with your doctor about whether the vaccine may be right for you.

RELATED: A Major Effort Announced To Vaccinate Young Boys Against HPV 

Each year, over 34,000 new cases of cancer related to HPV are discovered. Of these, over 13,000 people are diagnosed with throat or head and neck cancer each year. HPV-related cancers are often silent. Most people who have HPV are not aware of their infection, as symptoms are not evident until years later when long-term cell damage from the virus causes cancer.

How the HPV Vaccine Works

Previously, the focus of the HPV vaccine was strongly associated with the prevention of cervical cancer in women. As more information has been gained, the vaccine proved promising results for preventing other cancers caused by the HPV virus.

This new information is important especially for men, who are five times more likely than women to be diagnosed with throat and head and neck cancers. Celebrity awareness from actors Michael Douglas, Val Kilmer, and others who have openly shared their experience with throat cancer have helped to gain traction for vaccine prevention.

The strains of HPV that cause cervical cancer are the same strains of HPV that cause throat cancer. Jessica Geiger, Medical Oncologist, Cleveland Clinic's Tausig Cancer Center

Gardasil 9 protects against the nine strains of the virus that are most likely to cause cancer and genital warts. But, it can't provide the protection needed if a person has already been exposed to HPV.

Gardasil 9 vaccine is approved for use in males and females age 9 to 45 for the prevention of HPV-related cancers. Doctors recommend that children get the vaccine before they become sexually active in order to prevent infection with HPV.

How the Vaccine is Given

The HPV vaccine is given as a series of shots. In children, girls and boys should receive it at age 11 or 12, and can be started as early as age 9. Children who start the series before age 15 need two doses of the vaccine to be protected.

For those who didn't get vaccinated before age 15, three doses of the vaccine are needed for protection. There are still a few unanswered questions about why some people don't get protection despite having the vaccine.

 

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