HPV Vaccination: Does It Have a Role in Preventing Penile Cancer and Other Preneoplastic Lesions?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally, which causes nearly all cervix carcinomas and contributes to oropharyngeal, penile, vulva, vagina, and anal cancers. Despite the role of HPV in several preneoplastic and cancerous lesions in men, male vaccine coverage is low. This article aims to provide insights into the pathophysiology of HPV-related penile cancer and penile intraepithelial neoplasia (PeIN). Moreover, this review endeavors to outline the advantages of implementing HPV vaccination in male vaccination programs and the role of health care providers in this mission.

This is a narrative review of relevant literature. A search on PubMed and Cochrane database was conducted. The following search terms were used: HPV vaccination, gender-neutral vaccination, male, genital warts, penile cancer, vaccine recommendations.

HPV is responsible for 50.8% of penile cancers globally, 79.8% of PeIN, and 90% of genital warts. In 2009 the Food and Drug Administration licensed the quadrivalent HPV vaccine for use in males, with a potential efficacy of 90% and 77.5% to reduce genital warts and anal intraepithelial neoplasia, respectively. However, the uptake of HPV vaccination in men is low, and gender-neutral vaccination is estimated to be implemented only in 42 countries worldwide. Because data in penile cancer are lacking, further research is needed to study the efficacy of incorporation of HPV vaccines in male vaccination programs on preventing penile cancer and PeIN.

Nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team should take every opportunity to recommend HPV vaccination in adolescent men. Moreover, they play an important role in raising community awareness about the incidence of HPV and the related range of diseases. A practical approach is needed to incorporate HPV vaccines in vaccination programs and to optimize vaccination coverage.