Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination is cancer prevention for childhood cancer survivors

Cancer. 2022 Jan 15;128(2):237-239. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33920. Epub 2021 Oct 4.

Abstract

Childhood cancer survivors are at high risk for developing human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated subsequent neoplasms. Henderson et al., 2021 identified risk factors for subsequent HPV-associated malignant neoplasms among enrollees in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. The exacerbated risk of subsequent HPV cancers found in the study underscores the need for more stringent surveillance and tracking to inform intervention approaches to ensure maximal protection. In addition, HPV vaccination must be prioritized as part of transitional care and survivorship planning. Limited sources of data on survivor practices and outcomes results in limited information to develop guidelines and provide childhood cancer survivors with information on preventing subsequent HPV cancers. Improved efforts are needed to increase HPV vaccination and HPV-related surveillance among childhood cancer survivors to prevent subsequent neoplasms.

Keywords: HPV vaccination; HPV vaccine; childhood cancer; human papillomavirus; oncology; survivorship; survivorship guidelines; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Alphapapillomavirus*
  • Cancer Survivors*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / complications
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / prevention & control
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / prevention & control
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms* / virology
  • Vaccination