Source: MedPageToday.comAuthor: Charles Bankhead - Canadian study suggests vaccination would save money by preventing oropharyngeal cancer. Widespread vaccination of boys against human papillomavirus (HPV) infection proved to be a cost-saving approach to prevent subsequent head and neck cancer, according to data based on the Canadian health system. A 70% immunization rate and 99% efficacy with the quadrivalent vaccine Gardasil might reduce costs by as much as $28 million ($22.2 million U.S.). Reducing uptake and efficacy to 50% still might save $8 million ($6.35 million U.S.), Lillian L. Siu, MD, of Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto, and co-authors reported online in Cancer. "According to the findings of this preliminary analysis, HPV vaccination for boys aged 12 years may be a cost-effective strategy in relation to the prevention of oropharyngeal cancer alone, strengthening the cost-effectiveness of a male vaccination program," the authors concluded. "The argument for funding male HPV vaccination in North America is becoming more compelling given the benefits of reductions in genital warts and anal cancer and the potential benefits for the female population because of increased herd immunity. "Prospective data collection for male HPV vaccination and oropharyngeal cancer may validate these findings in the future." The data are consistent with other studies showing cancer benefits for HPV immunization, although the Canadians are the first to suggest that vaccination saves money, U.S. sources told MedPage Today. Background Initial clinical studies of HPV vaccination and national vaccination programs targeted girls and young women. Only recently has the focus expanded to include immunization of adolescent boys. [...]