Gay cancer Research “Desperately Needed”

A senior figure in the world of cancer research has called for more studies into anal cancer and gay men, in the wake of the new vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV).
Dr Anne Szarewski, a clinical consultant at Cancer Research UK, says research is “desperately needed” into the issue of HPV and its links to anal cancer in gay men.
The comments to GAY.COM come as a new vaccine for HPV has been unveiled by pharmaceutical giant Merck.
The company claims the new vaccine is ‘100% effective’ against HPV in clinical trials, but it has only been tested against women. As well as anal cancer in gay men, HPV can lead to cervical cancer in sexually active women.
More than a third of gay men are thought to carry HPV.
Press reports have heralded the new vaccine, which is yet to be approved, as a major breakthrough in the fight against cervical cancer.
However, its impact on anal cancer has yet to be studied.
Dr Szarewski says that, while the safety issues associated with the new vaccine need to be fully researched for everyone, the impact of the vaccine on gay men – especially those who are HIV positive – is yet to be discussed.
She says that “market forces” are likely to be the motivating factor behind the lack of trials aimed at gay men.
“The whole HIV thing is interesting, because no one knows the impact the vaccine would have on HIV,” she told GAY.COM.
Because the vaccine would also stop anal cancer, she said gay men could also be involved in a vaccination programme.
“But the combination of gay men and HIV is an area that is really important and is yet to be looked at in detail.”
“The issue is we don’t truly know the impact of giving this vaccine to someone with HIV,” she added. “It’s a real unanswered question”.
Recent studies suggested more than a third of gay men carry HPV, which is passed on through sexual contact.
Although anal cancer is still relatively rare in gay men, the condition is linked to the virus.
When asked whether she would support a widespread vaccination programme that is similar to the current hepatitis programme, Dr Szarewski said more research would be needed.
“In theory I would support it, but in practice we need to know it’s safe and secure,” she said.
“It’s difficult to say we should when there is not a shred of evidence. What needs to happen is that: a) it works and b) it’s safe.
from Gay.comUK