JAMA Oncol
Why the HPV vaccine matters for boys—even years later
Clinical takeaway: Routine HPV vaccination in males—including adolescents and young adults—was associated with a significantly lower incidence of HPV‑related cancers, supporting sex‑neutral vaccination strategies in clinical practice.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes a substantial burden of cancer in males, including cancers of the oropharynx, anus, and penis. While HPV vaccination has long focused on preventing cervical cancer, real‑world evidence of cancer prevention benefits in males has been limited.
In a multicenter, retrospective cohort study, investigators analyzed health records from more than 2.9 million males aged 9 to 26 years between 2016 and 2024. After propensity score matching, 510,260 vaccinated males were compared with an equal number of unvaccinated controls and followed for up to 10 years.
Vaccination with at least one dose of the 9‑valent HPV vaccine was associated with a 46% lower risk of HPV‑related cancers (hazard ratio [HR], 0.54; 95% confidence interval, 0.37–0.81). Risk reductions were consistent across age groups, including males aged 9 to 14 years (HR, 0.58) and 15 to 26 years (HR, 0.50).
“These findings provide direct evidence that the 9‑valent HPV vaccine contributes to cancer prevention in males,” the authors wrote, noting the implications for sex‑neutral vaccination policies.
Overall, the results strengthen the case for routine HPV vaccination in boys and young men, not only to reduce transmission but to prevent cancer later in life.
Source: Kitano T and Yoshida S. (2026, April 9). JAMA Oncol. Nine‑Valent Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Related Cancers in Males