Can HPV Vaccination Prevent Oral Cancer? Current Evidence and Clinical Implications

Chatzistefanou I*, Pyraki M and Petsinis V
 

Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Attikon General University Hospital, Athens Medical School, GRC, Greece

^*Correspondance to: Ioannis Chatzistefanou 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3736

Abstract

Introduction: Benign and malignant neoplasms in humans have been causally related with HPV (Human papillomavirus), and specifically in locations such as the cervix, vagina, penis, anus, and oropharynx. Current evidence indicates an increased incidence of Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC), underscoring the need for an effective preventive vaccination strategy. Methods: The current evidence was reviewed in the literature to investigate the impact of the HPV vaccine as a preventive measure for OPSCC, mainly by reducing the incidence of HPV infection of the oropharynx. Previous studies whose objective was the clinical efficiency of the immunological response to the vaccination have been reviewed. Results: HPV vaccination targets specific oncogenic genotypes, such as HPV-16 and HPV-18, and prevents infectious, precancerous, and malignant lesions of anogenital and oropharyngeal location. Anti-HPV antibodies have been isolated from oropharyngeal secretions and play a pivotal role as mucosa-protecting substances. Conclusions: HPV-positive OPSCC cases could be eliminated by the widespread implementation of HPV vaccination in female and male adolescents, even though carcinogenesis is a long-term process. Clinical evidence-based perspectives are delineated in this review, as future modalities should nevertheless be investigated.  

Keywords

HPV; Oral cancer; Hpv vaccination; Oral pathology; Oral surgery

Cite the article

Chatzistefanou I, Pyraki M, Petsinis V. Can HPV Vaccination Prevent Oral Cancer? Current Evidence and Clinical Implications. Clin Surg. 2026; 10: 3736..