Time to consider HPV vaccination after allogeneic stem cell transplantation

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is among the most common secondary cancers after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). Several types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are causally linked with SCC of the genital tract and head and neck, and the incidence of these cancers is higher among immunosuppressed patients compared to immunocompetent patients. In June 2006, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for females aged 9 to 26 years to prevent cervical warts and vulvar, vaginal, and cervical cancer. FDA approval was granted in October 2009 for males aged 9 to 26 years to prevent genital warts. The quadrivalent HPV vaccine is now available for off-label use, and may be beneficial to patients after allo-SCT. It is time to evaluate the immunogenicity and efficacy in preventing HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma in this population.