The Human Papillomavirus Vaccine as a Treatment 1 for HPV-related Dysplastic and Neoplastic Conditions: A Literature Review

Abstract Background Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections are associated with common dermatological and non-dermatological diseases. While HPV vaccines are well-established as preventive measures for genital warts and cervical neoplasia, their use as therapeutic agents deserves greater attention. Objective To evaluate the use of HPV vaccine(s) as a treatment modality for cutaneous and/or mucosal disease. Methods A primary literature search using PRISMA guidelines was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane databases in January 2019. Results Sixty-three articles with 4439 patients were included. A majority of patients with cutaneous warts, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), and squamous and basal cell carcinoma (SCC/BCCs) were successfully treated with HPV vaccination. Preliminary data on patients with pre-existing anogenital warts, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN), anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), and vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) is promising. Limitations This review was limited by the lack of controls, reporting on patients' previous HPV vaccination status, and publication bias. Conclusion The commercially available three-dose, quadrivalent HPV vaccine is a potential therapeutic option for the treatment of cutaneous warts, RRP, and SCC/BCC. Non-commercially available HPV vaccines demonstrate therapeutic response for treating anogenital warts, CIN, AIN, and VIN. The vaccine's efficacy as an adjunct therapy for HPV-associated cutaneous and/or mucosal disease warrants further exploration.