Purpose of review: To present recent publications in human papillomavirus-associated diseases and their relationship to HIV-infected patients.
Recent findings: Studies assessing geographic variations in human papillomavirus types and prevalence in cervical dysplasia and cancer in HIV-infected women suggest that although human papillomavirus types 16 and 18 dominate, multiple other human papillomavirus types may play a role in carcinogenesis. Anal dysplasia and cancer incidence continues to rise in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era; however, data on outcomes following therapy for anal dysplasia (infrared coagulator, high-resolution anoscopy-guided ablation) and anal cancer (chemoradiation and possibly intensity-modulated radiation therapy) have been encouraging. Oral human papillomavirus may be associated with lower genital tract human papillomavirus infection and may have implications in the development of oropharyngeal cancer.
Summary: As HIV-infected patients in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era continue to have high rates of cervical and anal cancer, it is important to continue screening efforts and treatment of preinvasive disease. Treatment options for anal dysplasia and anal cancer in HIV-infected individuals are expanding and may lead to decreased morbidity and mortality. Trials assessing safety and immunogenicity of the human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine in people with HIV have started enrollment, and if successful, may prevent many human papillomavirus-associated cancers.