Prevalence and determinants of anal human papillomavirus infection in men who have sex with men and transgender women

Cancer Screening and Prevention in the Transgender and Gender Diverse Population: Considerations and Strategies for Advanced Practice Nurses

OBJECTIVES

This discussion paper presents recent evidence regarding cancer screening and prevention among the transgender and gender diverse (TGD) community and highlights where and how advanced practice nurses (APNs), particularly those in primary care, can better contribute to closing the gap between healthcare disparities between TGD and cisgendered populations.

METHODS

Relevant publications on the topic and professional guidelines and evidence have formed the basis for this discussion paper.

RESULTS

TGD individuals are a vulnerable population with unique needs. They remain at risk of cancer and might be at greater risk of developing some cancers compared to cisgendered people but are underscreened. Barriers to gender-affirming care need to be addressed to improve access to prevention and screening services and improve the cancer care experiences and outcomes of TGD people.

CONCLUSION

APNs can work in collaboration with TGD individuals and the healthcare system to improve access to culturally safe cancer screening and more effective prevention of cancer and poor cancer outcomes.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

APNs have the potential to improve access to cancer screening for TGD people by increasing their understanding of the needs of the population, providing culturally safe care, and advocating for more preventative care and cancer screening. With greater knowledge and understanding of the needs and preferences of TGD people both broadly and in relation to cancer screening and prevention, targeted interventions and care approaches can be implemented. APNs should also aim to conduct evaluations and research into cancer prevention and screening to build the currently limited evidence base and nursing knowledge in this important field.

Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccination strategies among men who have sex with men in China: a modeling study

Introduction

The health and economic benefits of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination targeted at men who have sex with men (MSM) in developing settings have been rarely assessed. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of different HPV vaccination strategies among MSM in China.

Methods

A Markov model was developed to simulate HPV transmission dynamics among a total of 30.73 million MSM in China. The corresponding natural history included 6 states: susceptible, infected with low-risk subtypes, high-risk subtypes, anogenital warts and anal cancer, and deaths from anal cancer. MSM were divided into three age groups with cut-off points of 27 and 45 years. Alternative vaccination strategies were built by allocating bivalent, quadrivalent, nine-valent, or no vaccine to each of the groups. We generated the prevented infections and deaths by vaccination compared with baseline (no vaccination) and calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) to determine the optimal strategy.

Results

The model showed that in 10 years, at baseline, the existing cases of anogenital warts would reach 5,464,225 (IQR, 4,685,708-6,174,175); that of anal cancer would reach 1,922.95 (1,716.56-2,119.93), resulting in 940.55 (732.27-1,141.87) deaths. Under 50% vaccination coverage among one age group, the prevented cases of anogenital warts were maximized with quadrivalent vaccines allocated to MSM aged 27-45 years; that of anal cancer were maximized when offering nine-valent vaccines to the same group. Under 50% vaccination coverage among all groups, the lowest ICER (34,098.09 USD/QALY, 31,146.54-37,062.88) was reached when only quadrivalent vaccines were provided. Based on this strategy, when the annual vaccination rate increased by 30%, the ICER (33,521.75 USD/QALY, 31,040.73-36,013.92) would fall below three times China's per capita GDP. When the vaccine price decreased by 60%, the ICER was reduced to 7,344.44 USD/QALY (4,392.89-10,309.23), indicating good cost-effectiveness taking China's per capita GDP as a threshold.

Conclusions

HPV vaccination can effectively reduce the prevalence and mortality of related diseases among MSM in China, especially quadrivalent vaccines for anogenital warts and nine-valent vaccines for anal cancer. MSM aged 27-45 years were the optimal group for vaccination. Annual vaccination and appropriate adjustment of vaccine price are necessary to further improve the cost-effectiveness.

HPV screening in the urine of transpeople - A prevalence study

BACKGROUND

There is limited data on human papillomaviruses (HPV) prevalence in transpeople due to low acceptance rate of screening methods. HPV tests from self-collected urine are gender-neutral, have a high acceptance, and have a comparable accuracy in females to clinician-collected samples. The aim of this study was to evaluate both the HPV prevalence in the urine in a large cohort of 200 transpeople with common risk profiles and the acceptability of such screening method.

METHODS

The study was conducted at the outpatient clinic for transpeople at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. 200 transpeople have been enrolled between May and October 2021. Inclusion criteria were gender identity dysphoria, age over 18 years, and adequate language skills.Subjects were asked to answer a survey concerning gender identity, established risk factors for HPV infections as well as their preference regarding urine or provider-collected cytology-/HPV-based screening, and to provide a urine sample. Five patients not able to provide urine were excluded. HPV genotyping was performed using a validated multiplex real-time PCR assay, which simultaneously detects 28 HPV genotypes. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04864951.

FINDINGS

Overall HPV positivity was 19·0% (37/195), 24·2% in female to male, 11·8% in male to female, 26·3% in genderqueer/non binary/other subjects, 27·9% in subjects currently having a cervix, and 26·0% in subjects born with cervix. Independent of gender reassignment surgery, being born with a cervix was associated with a higher risk of HPV infections (p = 0·008), yet 42·3% (44/104) have never attended cervical cancer screening. Overall, 79·0% (154/195) of transpeople would prefer urine HPV tests to provider-collected HPV screening.

INTERPRETATION

HPV testing in self-collected urine samples provides a unique opportunity for screening of this hard-to-reach population and should be evaluated in further studies.

FUNDING

None.

"Doing it on my own terms": Transgender and nonbinary adults' experiences with HPV self-swabbing home testing kits

The human papillomavirus (HPV) carries a significant health risk for people with a cervix. Among transgender and nonbinary people, however, testing and treatment for HPV can pose difficulties, and even be traumatic at times. This current study is part of a larger mixed methods study conducted in Michigan in 2020, and it explores the experiences of transmasculine and nonbinary people with at-home self-swabbing HPV test kits and knowledge of HPV transmission/screenings. Phenomenological methods were used by conducting virtual qualitative interviews with ten transmasculine and nonbinary individuals with cervixes, ages 23-59. Interviews were independently coded by members of the research team and a tabletop theming method was used. Four themes were generated from the data: 1) Multilevel barriers; 2) "Get it done, so I know that I am safe"; 3) Contrasting preferences for care; and 4) Community calls for change. The discussion focuses on the implications of these findings for improving sexual health care for the transgender and nonbinary community, along with directions for further research.

Predictors of Anal High-Risk HPV Infection Across Time in a Cohort of Young Adult Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women in New York City, 2015-2020

Cisgender sexual minority men (SMM) and transgender women are disproportionately vulnerable to HPV-related anal cancer, but little is known about longitudinal predictors of high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infection in this population. As such, this analysis aims to identify factors associated with incident anal hrHPV infection in a diverse cohort of young SMM and transgender women. This study of HPV infection, nested within a larger cohort study, took place between October 2015 and January 2020. Participants completed a brief computer survey assessing HPV symptomatology, risk, and prevention alongside multi-site testing, in addition to biannual cohort study assessments. In the analytic sample of 137 participants, 31.6% tested positive for an anal hrHPV infection, with 27.0% and 29.9% testing positive for incident anal hrHPV infections at Visits 2 and 3, respectively. When adjusting for time between study visits, participants had significantly greater odds of incident anal hrHPV at Visit 2 if they had a concurrent HSV infection (AOR = 5.08 [1.43, 18.00]). At Visit 3, participants had significantly greater odds of incident anal hrHPV infection if they reported a greater number of sex partners in the previous month (AOR = 1.25 [1.03, 1.51]). Prevalence of cancer-causing HPV at baseline was high and many participants tested positive for additional types of anal hrHPV at subsequent visits. Risk for newly detected anal hrHPV infection was significantly associated with biological and behavioral factors. Our findings strongly indicate a need for programs to increase uptake of HPV vaccination and provide HPV-related health education for sexual and gender minorities.

Trends in HPV and HPV Vaccine Awareness among Gay and Bisexual Males in the U.S

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States (US). It is often discussed within the context of women’s sexual health due to its association with cervical cancer. However, HPV is also associated with other cancers and conditions which affect men. Gay and bisexual males (GBM) in the US have higher risks of HPV infection and a higher incidence of HPV-associated anal cancer than heterosexual males. In addition, GBM in the US have a higher prevalence of some high-risk strains of HPV than in other regions. HPV vaccination is highly effective at preventing HPV-associated cancers and genital warts. Several resources have been directed towards improving HPV awareness in the US over the past couple of years to improve vaccination rates. Given the low rates of HPV vaccination among GBM in the US, this study aimed to assess the trends in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness using a nationally representative sample of GBM. We found an overall increase in HPV and HPV vaccine awareness between 2017 and 2020. However, the sociodemographic differences in awareness levels highlight the need for more interventions to improve vaccination rates, especially in this high-risk population.

Increased CD4+ T cell count is associated with lower anal human papillomavirus prevalence among HIV-positive male cohort in Taizhou, China: a cross-sectional study

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the association between CD4⁺ T cell count and combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) with the prevalence of anal human papillomavirus (HPV) infection among HIV-positive male cohort in China.

Methods

A survey was conducted in men from a HIV cohort in Taizhou, China between 2016 and 2019. A face-to-face questionnaire interview was administered, and an anal-canal swab was collected for HPV genotyping.

Results

A total of 766 HIV-positive men were recruited. The HPV prevalence was lower among those with increased CD4⁺ T cell count than those with decreased or unchanged (46.5 vs. 56.6%, p = 0.033) from baseline. In multivariable models, having the current CD4⁺ T cell count of 350–499 cells/µL (aOR 0.28, 95% CI 0.13–0.64), and of ≥ 500 cells/µL (aOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.11–0.60) were associated with lower prevalence of any type HPV infection compared with those with < 200 cells/µL. Having taken NVP + 3TC + AZT was inversely associated with any high-risk (HR)-HPV (aOR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25–0.90) and any low-risk (LR)-HPV infection (aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.88), compared with those taking EFV + 3TC + TDF.

Conclusions

Increased CD4⁺ T cell count at follow-up was significantly associated with lower prevalence of anal HPV infection. Inverse associations between NVP + 3TC + AZT and HR-HPV or LR-HPV infecton were observed.

Anal human papillomavirus infection among men who have sex with men and transgender women living with and without HIV in Pakistan: findings from a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of infection, genotypes and risk factors for human papillomavirus (HPV) among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women living with and without HIV in Pakistan. Anal infection with HPV is very common worldwide among MSM, particularly among MSM living with HIV. The high prevalence of HIV among MSM and male-to-female transgendered individuals in Pakistan is a significant health concern since access to screening and health-seeking is often delayed in this stigmatised key population.

DESIGN

This cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2016 and November 2017.

PARTICIPANTS, SETTING AND DATA COLLECTION

This study recruited MSM and transgender-women who self-reported to have had anal sex in the last 6 months, and were at least 18 years of age, from the sexual health and antiretroviral therapy centres. Structured questionnaires were administered, and blood samples were obtained to confirm HIV status. Anal swabs were collected for HPV-DNA detection and typing.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the prevalence of 'HPV-DNA infection'. The prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard model algorithms to analyse the association between exposure variables and HPV-infection.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for 298 MSM and transgender women (HIV +n=131; HIV-n=167). The overall HPV-DNA prevalence was 65.1% and was higher in participants living with HIV as compared with HIV-negative (87% vs 48%; χ²p≤0.001). Likewise, 28.9% of participants living with HIV were infected with two or more than two types of HPV as compared with 18.8% participants without HIV(χ² p≤0.001). The most frequent HPV type was HPV6/11 (46.9%), followed by HPV16 (35.1%), HPV18 (23.2%) and HPV35 (21.1%). HIV status (PR 2.81, 95% CI 2.16 to 3.82) and never condom use (PR 3.08, 95% CI 1.69 to 5.60)) were independently associated with prevalence of 'anal-HPV16 infection' when adjusting for confounding for age, other sexual and behavioural factors, for example, smoking and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

High prevalence of HPV indicates a substantial future risk of anal cancer in Pakistani MSM and transgender women, and particularly in those living with HIV. Current findings support anal Pap-smear HPV screening for this particular group and vaccination efforts for future generations.

How Much Does HIV Positivity Affect the Presence of Oral HPV? A Molecular Epidemiology Survey

HIV-positive people showed a high oral prevalence of HPV-DNA and have a greater incidence of head and neck carcinomas compared to general population. We performed a molecular survey evaluating the presence of HPV-DNA in saliva of HIV-positive and HIV-negative subjects in order to quantify the risk represented by HIV-positivity. The sample was made up by 102 subjects: 40 HIV-positive, 32 HIV-negative with sexual risk behaviors (SRB) and 30 HIV-negative without risk factors. DNA was extracted from cellular pellets and HPV detection and genotyping were performed by PCR assays. In the HIV-positive group (of which 58.3% declared SRB) 33.33% of the sample were HPV-positive (33.33% to high-risk genotypes, 25.0% to low-risk genotypes and 41.66% to other genotypes). In the HIV-negative SRB group, HPV-positive subjects were 37.04% (60.0% to high risk genotypes, 20.0% to low risk genotypes, and 20.0% to other genotypes). Finally, in the control group, the HPV-positive subjects were 7.14% (50% to high-risk genotypes and 50% to low-risk genotypes). In the HIV group, concerning the HPV positivity, there was no significant difference between subjects with and without SRBs. In summary, we found a high oral HPV-DNA detection in HIV+ group, showing a strong relationship between HIV and HPV.

Neovaginal and Anal High-Risk Human Papillomavirus DNA Among Thai Transgender Women in Gender Health Clinics

BACKGROUND

Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-related lesions in the neovagina of transgender women have been well documented, information on high-risk HPV (hrHPV) in the neovagina has been very limited. The objective of this study was to determine hrHPV DNA detection rate in the neovagina of transgender women.

METHODS

Neovaginal and anal swab were collected in liquid-based cytology fluid from transgender women visiting Gender Health Clinic and Tangerine Community Health Clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Samples were processed for hrHPV DNA (reported as subtypes 16 and 18 or the pooled result of subtypes 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59, and 66) by automated real-time polymerase chain reaction and for neovaginal cytology according to the Bethesda system. Demographic data and sexual history were obtained, and physical examination was conducted. HIV status was obtained from existing medical records.

RESULTS

Samples were collected from 57 transgender women (mean age, 30.4 years [interquartile range, 8 years]). From 35 of 57 valid neovaginal samples, 8 (20%) tested positive for hrHPV DNA. From 30 of 57 valid anal samples, 6 (19.4%) tested positive for hrHPV DNA. HIV status was known for 52 transgender women, 1 of which were HIV infected; neovaginal hrHPV was invalid in that patient.

CONCLUSIONS

One of 5 transgender women visiting sexual health clinics in Bangkok was found to have hrHPV DNA in neovaginal and anal compartments. Studies are needed to look at incidence and persistence of hrHPV infection to inform anogenital precancerous and cancerous screening programs for transgender women.

Prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus infection in different anatomical sites among men who have sex with men: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection because of their high-risk sexual behaviours. In this study, a meta-analytic approach was used to systematically analyse the literature to elucidate the prevalence and genotype distribution of anal, penile, oral and urethral HPV infection among MSM in the world. To carry out this systematic review, five electronic databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant studies published from January 2012 to November 2019, and pertinent data were collected from the eligible articles. The pooled HPV prevalence was calculated for each anatomical region using a random-effect model weighted by the inverse variance method. The meta-analysis was performed using the "Metaprop" function in the R package Meta. The overall pooled prevalence of anal, penile, oral and urethral HPV infection among MSM were 78.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 75.6%-81.0%), 36.2% (95% CI: 29.1%-44.0%), 17.3% (95% CI: 13.6%-21.7%) and 15.4% (95% CI: 7.8%-27.9%), respectively. Stratified analyses showed that the prevalences of HPV were significantly higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative MSM. The most frequent HPV high-risk type detected in the anus, penis and oral cavity was HPV-16 (19.9%, 4.9% and 3.1%, respectively). HPV infection is rising in MSM because of high-risk sexual behaviours, suggesting an increased future risk of developing HPV-related diseases and malignancies in this population.

Pediatric Research and Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults: Improving (Biopsychosocial) Health Outcomes

Adolescent and young adult (AYA) transgender health care and research have expanded rapidly in the United States and abroad, but the effects of gender-affirming social, hormonal, or surgical care on overall health remain unclear. Gender diverse identities, also termed nonbinary, have often been neglected in favor of (male/female) binary identities, even in the context of transgender health care and research. No high quality studies have assessed how gender-affirming medical care impact health inequities in transgender and gender diverse (TG/GD) adults, much less in AYAs, despite the fact that that TG/GD adults have higher than average morbidity and mortality across a host of health concerns, from human immunodeficiency virus infection to thromboembolism, and that reported depression with suicidal ideation is >10 times higher in TG/GD adults than in the general population. TG/GD youth have related but different needs from TG/GD adults. TG/GD AYA are embedded in family and schools, where stigma may be difficult to escape; mental health during adolescence has areas of increased risk as well as resilience; and the effects of early hormonal and surgical interventions on long-term health are insufficiently studied. Because of this, an inclusive and proactive approach to addressing the needs of TG/GD AYA by pediatric clinicians, researchers, and educators is particularly crucial. This article focuses on what is known and unknown about clinical practice, research, and education related to TG/GD health. We highlight the role of gender affirmation by clinicians as they care and advocate for TG/GD AYAs; the potential challenges of hormonal treatment for peripubertal youth; and short- and long-term effects on physical and reproductive health of medical or surgical interventions. We also discuss how social context influences knowledge gaps and the health-relevant risks faced by TG/GD AYA. The challenges are formidable, but opportunities await: high priority research questions to explore, educational gaps to be filled, and advocacy that needs the voices of pediatricians to promote policies to facilitate positive health outcomes for TG/GD AYA.

The Utility of Digital Anal Rectal Examinations in a Public Health Screening Program for Anal Cancer

OBJECTIVES

There are no uniform screening recommendations for anal cancer. Medical practice guidelines are now available on the use of Digital Anal Rectal Examinations (DARE) for the detection of anal cancer; however, because screening can result in more harm than benefit, our objective was to assess the evidence for use of DARE as a public health screening tool.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a current critical appraisal of anal cancer literature using World Health Organization criteria for assessing the potential utility of a public health screening program.

RESULTS

Digital Anal Rectal Examination satisfies most, but not all, World Health Organization criteria for a public health program that seeks to detect early invasive anal cancer in populations at high risk for anal cancer, most notably HIV-positive men who have sex with men; however, DARE is not appropriate when facilities for treatment are nonexistent. In addition, there are insufficient data on DARE sensitivity and specificity.

CONCLUSIONS

The mildly invasive nature of DARE, limited likelihood of adverse procedure-related events, cost-effectiveness and patient acceptability, as well as wide availability of DARE support consideration of its integration into screening for populations at high risk of anal cancer, especially HIV-positive men who have sex with men.

ART is key to clearing oncogenic HPV genotypes (HR-HPV) in anal mucosa of HIV-positive MSM

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is one of the most frequent non-AIDS-defining neoplasias in HIV patients, mainly in MSM, and it has been associated with chronic infection with high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV). Our main objective was to determine HR-HPV clearance and acquisition rates and related factors and their relationship with the incidence of HSILs and ASCC in anal mucosa of HIV+ MSM.

Patients and methods

The study included consecutive HIV-infected MSM between May 2010 and December 2018. Data were gathered at baseline and annually on their sexual behavior, CD4 and CD8 levels, plasma HIV viral load, and results of anal cytology, HPV PCR, and high-resolution anoscopy.

Results

Out of the 405 patients studied, 34.9% of patients cleared oncogenic genotypes (IQR: 37–69) within 49 months, and 42.9% acquired new genotypes within 36 months (IQR:12–60). In multivariate analysis, clearance was only significantly influenced by the duration of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (OR: 1.016, 95% CI 1.003–1.030). The incidence of HSILs was 30.86/1,000 patient-years and that of ASCC was 81.22/100,000 patient-years; these incidences were not influenced by the acquisition (acquired: 14.9% vs. non-acquired: 10.4%; p = 0.238) or clearance (cleared 11.4% vs. non-cleared: 13.2%; p = 0.662) rates of these viruses.

Conclusions

The duration of ART appears to positively affect oncogenic genotype clearance in the anal mucosa of HIV+ MSM, although this clearance does not affect the incidence of HSILs or ASCC. The reduction in HSIL+ rate observed in our patients may be attributable to the bundle of measures adopted at our center.

Human Papillomavirus and Anal Cancer: Prevalence, Genotype Distribution, and Prognosis Aspects from Midwestern Region of Brazil

BACKGROUND

Approximately 90% of all anal cancers are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk genotypes such as HPVs 16 and 18.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and prognostic aspects of anal cancers associated with the presence, as well as the genotypic distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV).

METHODS

A retrospective study carried out over a 10-year period, using clinical and molecular data, with PCR analysis and reverse hybridization (INNO-LIPA kit), in anal cancers. The data analysis was done using descriptive univariate statistics, and the survival curves were made using the Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods.

RESULTS

Of the 81 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens, HPV prevalence was 69% and was significantly higher in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) than in other anal tumors (p=0.0001). Female patients had a higher prevalence of HPV (p=0.01). Multiple infections were detected in 14.3% of cases. The most prevalent genotypes were HPVs 16, 33, and 18. The overall survival at 60 months was 44.3%, and the prognostic factors included gender (p=0.008) with greater survival for men (52.9%) in comparison to women (29.6%), histological type (p=0.01), SCC (54.4%), adenocarcinomas (37.5%), other carcinomas (14.2%), and the presence of distant metastasis (p=0.01). Survival was not influenced by the presence of HPV (p=0.54).

CONCLUSIONS

The association of HPV to anal cancer was found in this study, especially in SCC. However, the presence of HPV did not influence the prognosis of patients with anal cancer.