Recommended as first-line treatment per the
RRP Foundation position
statement.1,2
There’s long been a need for a novel treatment approach for RRP
About recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP)
RRP, a rare, chronic viral infection, is a debilitating disease primarily caused by human papillomavirus infection (HPV) 6 or HPV 11. RRP is characterized by the recurrent growth of papillomas in the upper and lower respiratory tracts that can lead to severe voice disturbance, compromised airway, and recurrent post-obstructive pneumonia.3-6
Some of the most common symptoms of RRP are dysphonia, chronic cough, and dyspnea. Papillomas are recurrent, benign tumors that often affect the vocal cords, subglottis, and epiglottis, but over time can spread to the other respiratory sites, including the trachea, bronchi, and lungs, where they can be fatal.4,6-8
An estimated
~27,000
ADULTS IN THE US
are currently living
with RRP.9
Surgeries for RRP may come with significant limitations
Historically, management for RRP has consisted of repeated laser ablation and surgical excision of papillomas to alleviate symptoms. Due to reactivation of the latent HPV virus in remaining or adjacent tissues, papillomas may recur and require multiple debulking procedures.5,6
These debulking procedures may offer temporary relief, but don’t prevent regrowth of papillomas—and multiple procedures are often required throughout a patient’s lifetime.4
Even in the hands of the most skilled surgeon, every surgical intervention carries a significant risk of iatrogenic laryngeal injury (ILI), which may result in permanent, irreversible damage.2,4
Repeat surgeries can be a challenge for patients4,10
SURGICAL BURDEN
- On average, adult patients with RRP undergo a mean of 13.5 surgical procedures throughout their lives3*
- Some patients may undergo hundreds of surgeries over their lifetimes6
- General anesthesia poses cumulative risk in repeated procedures. It may be associated with postoperative respiratory complications and residual neuromuscular weakness that can cause airway obstruction11,12
In a cohort of patients with RRP (n=17).3
SURGICAL RISK
- 97% of patients with RRP who have undergone 10+ surgical procedures experienced ILI4†‡
- ILI occurs in 67% of patients with RRP and often necessitates additional surgeries to address4‡§
- Every surgery increases the risk of ILI by 32%4‡§
In a cohort of patients with RRP (n=60).4
STUDY DESIGN: Chart review of 199 patients with RRP seen at a tertiary care academic hospital from January 2002 to December 2022.4
In a cohort of patients with RRP (n=199).4
Adjuvant therapies not approved for RRP are sometimes used but don’t address the root cause, so they may only provide inconsistent benefits.6,13