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SUMMARY
Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely associated with the occurrence of cervical cancer, anogenital cancers, and a subset of head and neck cancers and skin cancers. Its pathogenic role in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is becoming a focus of attention.
Cutaneous HPV types are mainly found in the beta and gamma HPV genera. The beta genus in particular has been associated with NMSC, though its exact etiological role is still a matter of controversy. Various reports suggest beta-HPV plays a role in NMSC as a tumorigenic trigger acting synergistically with ultraviolet radiation or as a possible carcinogen itself.
Evidence from current literature linking HPV and NMSC provides only limited guidance in clinical decision-making. Future research using standardized diagnostic methods to further characterize and understand the role of HPV in the development and maintenance of NMSC will enhance patient care as well as provide clinicians with superior cancer preventive strategies.
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DON’T FORGET
Gardasil-9® (Merck and Co, Inc) is currently the only HPV vaccine available in the United States. This vaccine helps prevent infections with the types of HPV that cause 90% of all cervical cancers, anogenital warts, and some oropharyngeal cancers.
Gardasil-9® is FDA approved for females and males 9 to 45 years of age and is administered in a two-dose schedule for individuals receiving their first dose before their 15th birthday or in a three-dose schedule for anyone starting the vaccination series after the age of 15 or with certain immunocompromising conditions.
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CLINICAL PEARLS
There are currently not enough data to support a widespread recommendation for Gardasil-9® vaccination in the management of NMSC. Nonetheless, Gardasil-9® may be considered a positive investment in personal health, with benefits that could potentially extend beyond cervical, anogenital, and oropharyngeal cancer prevention.
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PATIENT EDUCATION POINTS
NMSC is the most common malignancy worldwide, with an estimated 5 million people in the United States diagnosed every year.2 Over 15,000 people die from SCC in the United States each year, which is more than twice as many deaths from melanoma.
New studies have begun studying the feasibility of utilizing Gardasil-9® as a therapeutic option in the treatment of NMSC.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a double-stranded, nonenveloped DNA virus commonly found colonizing human skin, the oropharynx, the cervical epithelium, and the anogenital tract.1 HPV infection is closely associated with the occurrence of cervical cancer, anogenital cancers, and a subset of head and neck cancers and skin cancers.1 Its pathogenic role in nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is becoming a focus of attention. NMSC is the most common malignancy worldwide, with an estimated 5 million people in the United States diagnosed every year.2 Over 15,000 people die from SCC in the United States each year, which is more than twice as many deaths from melanoma.2 Of note, developing ...