Male Circumcision Reduces Penile HPV Incidence and Persistence: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Kenya.

BACKGROUND: Male circumcision reduces the risk of human immunodeficiency virus infection in men. We assessed the effect of male circumcision on the incidence and natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a randomized clinical trial in Kisumu, Kenya. METHODS: Sexually active, 18- to 24-year-old men provided penile exfoliated cells for HPV DNA testing every 6 months for 2 years. HPV DNA was detected via GP5+/6+ PCR in glans/coronal sulcus and in shaft samples. HPV incidence and persistence were assessed by intent-to-treat analyses. RESULTS: A total of 2,193 men participated (1,096 randomized to circumcision; 1,097 controls). HPV prevalence was 50% at baseline for both groups and dropped to 23.7% at 24 months in the circumcision group, and 41.0% in control group. Incident infection of any HPV type over 24 months was lower among men in the circumcision group than in the control group [HR = 0.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.52-0.72]. Clearance rate of any HPV infection over 24 months was higher in the circumcision group than in the control group (HR = 1.87; 95% CI, 1.49-2.34). Lower HPV point-prevalence, lower HPV incidence, and higher HPV clearance in the circumcision group were observed in glans but not in shaft samples. CONCLUSION: Male circumcision reduced the risk of HPV acquisition and reinfection, and increased HPV clearance in the glans. IMPACT: Providing voluntary, safe, and affordable male circumcision should help reduce HPV infections in men, and consequently, HPV-associated disease in their partners.

A Metal-Polyphenol Network Coated Nanotheranostic System for Metastatic Tumor Treatments.

As a characteristic trait of most tumor types, metastasis is the major cause of the death of patients. In this study, a photothermal agent based on gold nanorod is coated with metal (Gd3+ )-organic (polyphenol) network to realize combination therapy for metastatic tumors. This nanotheranostic system significantly enhances antitumor therapeutic effects in vitro and in vivo with the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy, also can remarkably prevent the invasion and metastasis due to the presence of polyphenol. After the treatment, an 81% decrease in primary tumor volumes and a 58% decrease in lung metastasis are observed. In addition, the good performance in magnetic resonance imaging, computerized tomography, and photothermal imaging of the nanotheranostic system can realize image-guided therapy. The multifunctional nanotheranostic system will find a great potential in diagnosis and treatment integration in tumor treatments, and broaden the applications of PTT treatment.