Fast-Tracking HPV Clearance in Men: Adjunctive Pidotimod Enhances Response to HPV Vaccination
Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant global health concern, and while most infections clear naturally, persistent high-risk infections can lead to cancer. The role of immunomodulators in enhancing viral clearance is an area of growing interest. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of adjunctive pidotimod therapy combined with the HPV vaccine in promoting HPV clearance in men. Methods: This retrospective study included 23 HIV-negative men with anal and/or genital HPV infection. Patients were divided into two groups: 7 receiving standard HPV vaccine and 16 receiving pidotimod starting before each vaccination dose, in addition to the vaccine. HPV genotyping was performed at baseline and at 12 months using real-time PCR. Results: At 12 months, the rate of HPV negative conversion was significantly higher in the pidotimod + vaccine group compared to the control group (62%vs28%, p < 0.005). The treatment group also showed a significant reduction in the number of HPV genotypes from baseline. Interestingly, the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis was associated with a significantly lower rate of HPV clearance in both groups. Conclusion: Adjunctive therapy with pidotimod significantly enhances HPV clearance when combined with the HPV vaccine in men. This approach represents a promising strategy for managing persistent HPV infection.
Institution: University of Chieti-Pescara
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414971346
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