Safety and Immunogenicity of the Quadrivalent Human Papillomavirus Vaccine in HIV‐1–Infected Men

Background Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected men are at increased risk for anal cancer. Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination may prevent anal cancer caused by vaccine types. Methods AIDS Malignancy Consortium Protocol 052 is a single-arm, open-label, multicenter clinical trial to assess the safety and immunogenicity of the quadrivalent HPV (types 6, 11, 16, and 18) vaccine in HIV-1-infected men. Men with high-grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia or anal cancer by history or by screening cytology or histology were excluded. Men received 0.5 mL intramuscularly at entry, week 8, and week 24. The primary end points were seroconversion to vaccine types at week 28, in men who were seronegative and without anal infection with the relevant HPV type at entry, and grade 3 or higher adverse events related to vaccination. Results There were no grade 3 or greater adverse events attributable to vaccination among the 109 men who received at least 1 vaccine dose. Seroconversion was observed for all 4 types: type 6 (59 [98%] of 60), type 11 (67 [99%] of 68), type 16 (62 [100%] of 62), and type 18 (74 [95%] of 78). No adverse effects on CD4 counts and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels were observed. Conclusions The quadrivalent HPV vaccine appears safe and highly immunogenic in HIV-1-infected men. Efficacy studies in HIV-1-infected men are warranted. Clinical trials registration. NCT 00513526.