There are over 100 types of human papillomavirus (HPV) that infect humans. Some of these types infect the anal and mouth areas. HPV infections in these areas can damage the skin. Rarely, these damaged areas can turn into cancer. There are tests that can find these damaged areas so that they can be treated and removed.
A recent article raises concerns about the risk of the sexually contracted infections in men, due to the large spike in the number of head and neck cancers linked to HPV over the last 20 years within this population, bringing the CARE Center's research on HPV in men to the forefront.
A quadrivalent HPV vaccine, Gardasil, prevents anal HPV infection in HIV infected men. "Quadrivalent" means that the vaccine is directed at four of the HPV types, specifically the types of HPV that have been linked with genital warts and cancer.
Anchor Study:This study is for people 35 years of age or older, have HIV infection, have never been vaccinated against HPV, have never treated before for anal HSIL and have never had cancer of the anus, vulva, vagina or cervix.
For more information about the UCLA CARE Center's clinical trials and research studies, please contact:
(310) 557-9062
CAREOutreach@mednet.ucla.edu