Wednesday, December 09, 2009

Podophyllotoxin better treatment option for anogenital warts - Medscape article


Topical Treatment of Anogenital Human Papillomavirus Infection in Male Patients

Donna P Ankerst; Helmut Diepolder; Sophia Horster
Posted: 12/01/2009; Future Virology. 2009;4(6):531-541. © 2009 Future Medicine Ltd.


Abstract

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated anogenital warts have a prevalence of up to 78% in sexually active men. Some HPV subtypes bear a considerable oncogenic potential.

Materials & methods: Original papers on the treatment of external anogenital warts were included in a meta-analysis to assess the most effective topical treatment.

Results: Clearance rates were 0–6.5% for placebo treatment, 76.6% for podophyllotoxin 0.15% cream administered for 4 weeks, 61.5% for podophyllotoxin 0.5% solution (2–6 weeks) and 53.7% for imiquimod 5% cream (12–16 weeks). For male patients, the intent-to-treat analysis demonstrated statistically significant superiority of podophyllotoxin preparations versus imiquimod (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.005, respectively). Clearance rates of locally ablative treatments, such as surgery, cryotherapy, electrocautery and carbon dioxide laser, differed widely without clear superiority of a specific ablative technique. In HIV-positive patients, all treatment options yielded lower clearance rates and higher recurrence rates.

Conclusion: While preventive vaccines might reduce HPV-associated morbidity for future generations, those with active HPV disease still need to be treated with customary treatment options. In male patients, podophyllotoxin preparations yielded higher response rates than imiquimod.

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