A study to be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting provides strong evidence that the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine significantly reduces the risk of developing several HPV-related cancers, particularly in men.

The research analyzed data from over 3.4 million patients aged 9-39 in the United States. Half of the patients had been vaccinated against HPV between 2010 and 2023, while the other half had not received the vaccine.

The results showed that males vaccinated for HPV had a 54% lower risk of developing any HPV-related cancer compared to unvaccinated males, with the risk of head and neck cancers reduced by 56%. Vaccinated females saw a 27% reduction in HPV-related cancers overall and a 29% lower risk of cervical cancer specifically.

"This study adds to a growing body of evidence demonstrating decreased rates of HPV-related cancer among people who received the HPV vaccination," said study author Dr. Jefferson DeKloe. Despite this, CDC data shows that less than 60% of U.S. adolescents were fully vaccinated against HPV as of 2022, leaving many vulnerable to these preventable cancers.

The researchers hope to conduct further studies in older populations and examine factors such as age at vaccination and time from vaccination to cancer development. A separate study also being presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting found that while HPV vaccination rates have increased across all racial and ethnic groups since 2011, coverage still lags in males compared to females.

Experts emphasize that the HPV vaccine is a powerful tool for cancer prevention. "We have known the HPV vaccine decreases rates of oral HPV infection, but this study shows that in boys and men in particular, vaccination decreases the risk of HPV-related oropharyngeal head and neck cancers," said Dr. Glenn J. Hanna, Director of Center for Cancer Therapeutic Innovation at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "HPV vaccination is cancer prevention."

The study received no external funding.