A phase 3 trial, the ANCHOR study, has led to recommendations for routine anal cancer screening for high-risk individuals, particularly those with HIV. Anal cancer is significantly more prevalent among this group, with incidence rates as high as 85 per 100,000 for men who have sex with men (MSM). The trial revealed a 57% reduction in cancer development through treatment of high-grade lesions. Updated guidelines now advocate for screenings starting at age 35 for MSM and transgender women with HIV, emphasizing the role of HPV in disease development.

Source: Clinical Infectious Disease