A systematic review of the treatment of active anogenital warts with human papillomavirus vaccines

Abstract

Background: Anogenital warts (AGWs) caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) are a common manifestation of HPV infection. Treatment strategies generally include topical therapies to promote wart regression or removal through surgical or other means. These strategies are effective but are associated with high rates of recurrence. HPV vaccines are known to be effective for prevention of AGWs yet preliminary data suggest they may offer therapeutic benefit for regression of active AGWs.

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the efficacy of HPV vaccines for treatment of active AGWs.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews was conducted in July 2023 with no limits on date of publication. The search was supplemented with a manual review of references from identified articles and pertinent review articles. Articles were included if they reported at least one patient with active AGWs who received at least one dose of any HPV vaccine. The primary outcome of interest was complete or partial regression of AGWs over any time period. Risk of bias was assessed for each study meeting inclusion criteria.

Results: Seven articles were included. These included 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT), 1 non-RCT, 3 case series, and 2 case reports. All were deemed to have a high risk of bias. Study results showed evidence that HPV vaccines may offer therapeutic benefits to those with active AGWs. Studies reported outcomes for both intralesional and systemically administered vaccines. Outcomes reported improvement according to both partial and complete regression of AGWs.

Conclusion: This review found that there is evidence that HPV vaccines may have a role in the treatment of active AGWs. Findings support the notion that the vaccine should be offered to previously unvaccinated patients but the role of intralesional administration of the vaccine to vaccinated patients is still unclear.