Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis – Vaccination as a therapeutic option

Introduction Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a benign disease caused by human papillomavirus, which can also develop to be a precancerous lesion. HPV 6 and 11 are responsible for more than 90% of cases. Patients present with symptoms such as dysphonia or shortness of breath, which can cause significant emotional distress. Following the introduction of the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer in 2006, several studies have shown a significant reduction in the incidence of RRP. The vaccine was first suggested to have a therapeutic effect on RRP in 2009 and has since been shown to significantly reduce the number of surgeries needed. However, the vaccination rate in Germany and the number of patients treated therapeutically are still low.