Implementation Of HPV Vaccination Research Articles

The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Management of Cervical Cancer.

Globally, cervical cancer poses a substantial public health challenge, with low and middle-income countries bearing the highest burden [Rajkhowa, P., D.S. Patil, S.M. Dsouza, P. Narayanan and H. Brand. Evidence on factors influencing HPV vaccine implementation in South Asia: a scoping review. Glob. Public Health 18: 2288269, 2023]. The incidence rate ranks second highest among female malignant tumors in China, following only breast cancer. The prognosis of advanced cervical cancer is extremely poor, with a 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rate of only 15%, and the treatment of advanced recurrent or metastatic cervical cancer remains a huge challenge. An increasing amount of evidence suggests that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can significantly enhance sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, strengthen antitumor effects, and notably improve adverse reactions associated with cancer such as fatigue and bone marrow suppression. In recent years, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Chinese herbal medicines, such as the Guizhi-Fuling-decoction, the compound Yangshe granule, Huangqi, and Ginseng, herbal monomers (e.g., Ginsenoside Rh2, Tanshinone IIA, and Tetrandrine), and the related extracts and compound formulations, have received extensive attention for the treatment of cervical cancer. This paper reviews the research progress of TCM in cervical cancer. In addition, we reported a case of an advanced cervical cancer patient with multiple abdominal and pelvic metastasis who initially received chemotherapy, was then treated with TCM alone, and subsequently survived for 22 years. The model of whole-process management with TCM can enable more cancer patients to obtain longer survival periods.

Cervical Cancer and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccines: A primer for General Physicians

India contributes close to 20% of the global cervical cancer burden. This article reviews the preventive strategies against cervical cancer and suggest a few way forward for the prevention of cervical cancer in India. A literature review of online databases (Embase, Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus) and reports from government websites regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination in India was conducted. Currently, four different HPV vaccines are available in India: a bivalent vaccine, a nonavalent vaccine and two quadrivalent vaccines. To reduce India’s cervical cancer burden, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) has advocated the widespread implementation of HPV vaccination. An indigenous HPV vaccine was given market authorisation by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) in July 2022. There is a need to raise awareness regarding the benefits of HPV vaccines in India. The introduction of indigenous HPV vaccine might enhance the supply logistics and may increase the uptake of the vaccine.

A population based study on human papillomavirus infection and associated risk factors among women of the remote South Andaman Island, India

BackgroundHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical cancer and cervical dysplasia worldwide. Data on HPV prevalence in a region is important because it serves as a predictor of the likelihood of the population in that particular region acquiring cervical cancer. Moreover, with the availability of effective vaccines, the public health system must be aware of the preponderance of HPV to implement the vaccine. The present study was designed to understand the prevalence of HPV and associated factors among the women of South Andaman Island.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among married women of reproductive age (18–59 years) from South Andaman District from 2018 to 2022. Cervical scrapes were collected from participants after obtaining informed written consent for HPV molecular testing (HPV DNA) such as PCR assay. Demographic data was collected using a standard questionnaire and statistical analyses were performed to determine the associated factors.ResultsThe study showed prevalence of HPV as 5.9%(95% CI: 3.9–7.9) and prevalence of HR-HPV16 was 4.1% (95% CI 2.6 – 5.5) and HR-HPV18 prevalence was 1.8(95% CI: 0.6–3). The independent factors associated the HPV positivity were age above 55 years, menopause, post-menopausal bleeding, blood-stained vaginal discharge and loss of weight. Age was associated with all HPV infections among the South Andaman women.ConclusionsHPV 16 was reported as the predominant high risk HPV type circulating among women of South Andaman. Cervical cancer and precancerous lesions were significantly associated with HPV positivity and High risk HPV 16. Based on the knowledge of the risk factors associated with HPV, implementation of stronger public health awareness and prophylactic HPV vaccination is crucial among the women of this remote island.

Abstract IA020: Adaptation of provider and staff targeted evidence-based interventions in safety-net settings to achieve equitable HPV vaccination

Abstract Implementation science, conducted through a health equity lens and participatory stakeholder-engaged approach, can inform how to best to adapt and sustain interventions within safety-net settings (e.g., federally qualified health centers, hospital-affiliated clinics, county health systems reaching medically underserved communities) to achieve long-term cancer health equity. The current challenge in implementation science and cancer health equity is not a lack of knowledge about what works for cancer prevention and control improvement, but how to integrate, adapt and sustain effective evidence-based strategies (EBS) and tools into local community and clinic contexts where they are needed most. As an example, HPV vaccination rates remain below target levels among adolescents in the United States, which is particularly concerning in medically underserved with persistent disparities in HPV-associated cancer burden. There are numerous evidence-based strategies designed to improve HPV vaccination, but few are routinely used, much less sustained in safety-net settings. Significant disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic further support the need to understand implementation context and processes for implementation needs of EBS for HPV vaccination in safety-net clinics. This educational session presentation focuses on how to advance adaptation and fit of EBS for HPV vaccination improvement in diverse contexts and settings for medically underserved populations with the broader goal of addressing cancer health equity through implementation science. We share our work in understanding the perspectives of stakeholders serving diverse communities in an NCI-funded HPV vaccine implementation study. We demonstrate the need for EBS and implementation processes to be tailored to the local context, community needs, and engaged with key clinic leadership and implementors throughout. From the multi-site FQHC demonstration phase of our study, we assess ongoing adaptation of EBS (provider trainings, clinic staff education, workflow assessment, and audit and feedback) and implementation processes at multiple levels (broader system, individual clinic sites, providers and staff). We also systematically integrate relevant structural and social determinants into interventions to meet the needs of diverse communities. Adaptation to clinical contexts as well as current HPV vaccination content (e.g. age 9, addressing vaccine hesitancy, community-specific concerns) are necessary to maximize fit and sustainability. Findings from these examples can inform adaptation requirements of implementing evidence-based strategies to address cancer health equity for other cancer sites and cancer prevention targets. Further, this educational session informs a broader understanding of resources and processes needed to sustain EBS for HPV vaccination over time and research needs within the intersection of implementation science and cancer health equity. Citation Format: Jennifer Tsui, Samantha Garcia, Michelle B. Shin, Kylie Sloan, Emily Dang, Lourdes Baezconde-Garbanati, Lawrence Palinkas, Benjamin F. Crabtree. Adaptation of provider and staff targeted evidence-based interventions in safety-net settings to achieve equitable HPV vaccination [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr IA020.

How Risk Perception Impacts Cervical Cancer Knowledge Acquisition in China: From an Adapted Cognitive Mediation Model Perspective

As a result of the relatively late implementation of HPV vaccination in China, many young Chinese women have weak awareness and limited knowledge about cervical cancer. This study developed an adapted cognitive mediation model with risk perception as a key factor that prompts serial mediation effects and ultimately influences cervical cancer knowledge acquisition. An online survey was conducted among 1066 Chinese women aged 15-35. The results were analyzed for three age groups, which mostly supported the hypothesized model. Risk perception was positively correlated with elaboration and cervical cancer knowledge acquisition, but only with attention to cervical cancer-related information among participants aged 20-35. Attention to cervical cancer-related information was positively associated with elaboration while having no significant correlation with knowledge acquisition. Elaboration was positively associated with knowledge acquisition. Indirect effects between risk perception and knowledge acquisition through elaboration were found. The impact of risk perception on knowledge acquisition was also sequentially mediated by attention and elaboration among participants aged 28-35. The results indicate a general tendency that an individual’s level of risk perception, attention to cervical cancer-related information, elaborative processing of information, and the amount of knowledge gained increase with age. Adolescents aged 15-19 particularly lack risk perception and attention to health information. The implications of the results are discussed in detail based on previous studies. Research limitations and future directions are also suggested.

The Cost Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Program in Indonesia

ObjectivesThis study aimed to analyze and describe the cost of HPV vaccination program in Indonesia. MethodsThis study identified the cost-related HPV vaccination program implemented in Makassar, Manado, and Surabaya cities, Indonesia, according to the previous activities performed. Cost information was collected and analyzed in each specific activity for each cost components, using the HPV vaccination module of the World Health Organization Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Costing tool. ResultsAccording to the Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control Costing tool, the recurrent costs, both financial and economic costs, dominated the HPV vaccination program costs in Surabaya (US dollars [USD] 264 618; USD 268 724), Makassar (USD 166 852; USD 293 300), and Manado (USD 270 815; USD 270 946), with a total cost of USD 702 285 for financial cost and USD 832 970 for economic cost. Vaccine procurement drives the recurrent cost. ConclusionsThe implementation of demonstration program in Surabaya, Makassar, and Manado cities was considerably succeed. Any prediction related to the cost of implementation of HPV vaccination in Indonesia can be calculated and used to advocate regional or national government.

HPV vaccination in Latin America: Coverage status, implementation challenges and strategies to overcome it.

Cervical cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality amongst females in Latin America (LATAM). Cervical cancer is a preventable disease and HPV vaccination is a main key strategy towards its elimination. This study analyzes HPV vaccine implementation current status and the main barriers to achieve adequate coverage in the region. Data from the nineteen sovereign states of LATAM (comprised of all Portuguese and Spanish-speaking nations located south of the United States) were collected, including year of HPV vaccine implementation, gender and age targets, the number of doses included in the public program and coverage by dose. Sixteen out of the 19 evaluated countries have already implemented HPV vaccination programs. However, despite its proven efficacy and safety, HPV vaccine uptake in LATAM has been lower than expected. There is an evident decline in adhesion, mainly regarding the second dose. Several reasons are probably involved, of note: limited knowledge of HPV and HPV vaccine, misguided safety concerns, high cost, cultural barriers, and the Covid19 pandemic. Proper strategies to overcome these barriers are needed to ensure successful uptake. Effective policies are: adopting the one dose schedule, delivering the vaccine on both health center and schools, and advising health professionals to recommend the vaccine. Further research regarding HPV vaccine hesitancy in Latin America is needed.

The Prevalence, Genotype Distribution and Risk Factors of Human Papillomavirus in Tunisia: A National-Based Study

There are limited national population-based studies on HPV genotypes distribution in Tunisia, thus making difficult an assessment of the burden of vaccine-preventable cervical cancer. In this context, we conducted a national survey to determine the HPV prevalence and genotypes distribution and the risk factors for HPV infections in Tunisian women. This is a cross-sectional study performed between December 2012 and December 2014. A liquid-based Pap smear sample was obtained from all women and samples’ DNAs were extracted. Only women with betaglobin-positive PCR were further analysed for HPV detection and typing by a nested-PCR of the L1 region followed by next-generation sequencing. A multiple logistic regression model was used for the analysis of associations between the variables. A total of 1517 women were enrolled in this study, and 1229 out of the 1517 cervical samples were positive for the betaglobin control PCR and tested for HPV. Overall HPV infection prevalence was measured to be 7.8% (96/1229), with significant differences between the grand regions, ranging from 2% in the North to 13.1% in Grand Tunis. High-risk HPV genotypes accounted for 5% of the infections. The most prevalent genotypes were HPV 31 (1%), 16 (0.9%), 59 (0.7%). HPV18 was detected only in four cases of the study population. Potential risk factors were living in Grand Tunis region (OR: 7.94 [2.74–22.99]), married status (OR: 2.74 [1.23–6.13]), smoking habit (OR: 2.73 [1.35–5.51]), occupation (OR: 1.81 [1.09–3.01]) and women with multiple sexual partners (OR: 1.91 [1.07–3.39]). These findings underscore the need to evaluate the cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine implementation, contribute to the evidence on the burden of HPV infections, the critical role of sexual behaviour and socioeconomic status, and call for increased support to the preventive program of cervical cancer in Tunisia.

The cost-effectiveness of bivalent, quadrivalent, and nine-valent HPV vaccination in Asia: a systematic review.

The aim of this study was to systematically review the cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination in Asia. We performed a systematic review of papers indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science covering the period from 1 January 2000 to 13 August 2020. Sixteen studies were included in the review. Half of them (8 studies) evaluated the cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination in high-income countries and regions (HICs) while the other eight studies were set in low- and middle-income countries and regions (LMICs). In HICs, the implementation of bivalent, quadrivalent and nine-valent HPV vaccination was all shown to be cost-effective. Most studies (7/8) also showed that it was cost-effective to implement bivalent, quadrivalent, and nine-valent HPV vaccines in LMICs. However, one study concluded that it was not cost-effective to implement bivalent HPV vaccination in Thailand. In general, the implementation of bivalent, quadrivalent and nine-valent HPV vaccination for adolescent girls was cost-effective in both high-income countries and regions and low- and middle-income countries and regions in Asia. Policy makers in HICs could consider expanding the target vaccinated population, while for LMICs it is essential to reduce HPV vaccine price to a level at which the implementation of HPV vaccination is cost-effective.

Now or Later: Health Impacts of Delaying 1-Dose HPV Vaccine Implementation in a High-Burden Setting

Now or Later: Health Impacts of Delaying 1-Dose HPV Vaccine Implementation in a High-Burden Setting

Cervical Cancer: Formulation and Implementation of Govt of India Guidelines for Screening and Management

PurposeCervical cancer is the second most common cancers of women in India, despite being largely preventable. This review traces the journey of formulation of the Operational Guidelines for the management of common cancers and its implementation.MethodsA literature review was done to document the process of formulation of the guidelines, in addition to inputs from the officials involved in the process of developing them.ResultsThe review covers the pre-existing challenges in the National cancer control program and helps in providing recommendations for the future of cervical cancer screening, considering the COVID pandemic and the limitations of the public health system in India.ConclusionThe implementation of early diagnosis of cervical cancer on a national scale as envisaged in the Operational Guidelines for the management of common cancers is a herculean task. A concerted approach for the implementation of cervical cancer control and HPV vaccination will hopefully bring fruitful results going forward.

The Burden of Gynecologic Cancers in the UAE

There is limited published data about gynecological cancers in the UAE. The latest cancer registry data published in 2020 for the 2017 reports a total of 7% (301/4299 ) out of the total cases of all cancer among the UAE population. The most diagnosed gynecologic cancers were uterine, cervix uteri and ovarian cancer, which ranked 5th, 6th, and 8th, respectively among all female malignant cancers in the UAE. There were 111 cases of uterus cancer, which accounted for 4.93% of all cancer cases among females, diagnosed in 2017. Due to various well-structured programs in the UAE for cervical cancer prevention, including implementation of HPV vaccination for females, aged 15-26 years and screening with a pap test for women 25-65 years, regardless of their HPV vaccination status. The rate of carcinoma in situ of cervix uteri in the UAE has declined by over 50% (from 81 cases in 2015 to 38 cases in 2017). There were 70 cases of ovarian cancer, accounted for 3.11% of all cancer cases among females, diagnosed in 2017. The highest number of ovarian cancer cases has been reported in the age group of 50-54. The malignant neoplasm of cervix uteri makes up to 1.9% of the total deaths (ranked 6th), caused by cancer in the UAE population, in 2017. Currently, the gynecology cancer research in the UAE is very limited. There is a need for initiation of gynecology specific working groups to facilitate the research in this area with focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and screening specific to the UAE population.

Elimination of HPV–associated oropharyngeal cancers in Nordic countries

Incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV, most notably HPV type 16) associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) among middle-aged (50–69 year-old) males has tripled in four high income Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden) over the last 30 years. In Finland and Sweden, this increase was preceded by an HPV16 epidemic in fertile-aged populations in the 1980's. The recent implementation of school-based prophylactic HPV vaccination in early adolescent boys and girls will gradually decrease the incidence, and eventually eliminate the HPV-associated OPSCCs (especially tonsillar and base of tongue carcinomas) in the Nordic countries. However, beyond the adolescent and young adult birth cohorts vaccinated, there are approximately 50 birth cohorts (born in 1995 or before) that would benefit from screening for HPV-associated OPSCC. This article reviews the need, prerequisites, proof-of-concept trial and prospects of preventing HPV-associated OPSCC in the Nordic countries.

Health economic evaluation of primary human papillomavirus screening in urban populations in China

BackgroundOn Nov 17, 2020, WHO launched a global initiative to accelerate the elimination of cervical cancer through the implementation of HPV vaccination, cervical cancer screening and treatment for precancer and cancer. China has the largest burden of cervical cancer in the world, but only has a national cervical cancer screening program in rural areas since 2009. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of cervical cancer screening in urban China, using Shenzhen City as an example. MethodsWe use an extensively validated platform (‘Policy1-Cervix’), calibrated to data from Shenzhen city and Guandong Province. We evaluated a range of strategies that have previously been implemented as pilot studies in China, or recommended as guidelines within China and globally, spanning primary HPV, cytology and co-testing strategies. We additionally considered alternate triaging methods, age ranges and screening intervals, resulting in 19 algorithms in total. ResultsOf the 19 strategies considered, the most effective approach involved primary HPV testing. At 3- to 10-yearly intervals, primary HPV testing reduced the age-standardized cancer mortality rate by 37–71 %. The most cost-effective strategy was 5-yearly primary HPV testing with partial genotyping triage for ages 25−65, discharging to 10-yearly screening for low-risk women (ICER = US$7191/QALYS using 2018 costs; willingness-to-pay threshold<1xGDP [US$9771]). This strategy gave an incidence and mortality reduction of 56 % and 63 %, respectively. This remained the most cost-effective strategy under most conditions in sensitivity analysis. ConclusionPrimary HPV testing would be cost-effective in Shenzhen and could more than halve cervical cancer incidence rates to 6 per 100,000 over the long term. In order to achieve rates below 4 per 100,000, the elimination threshold set by the World Health Organization, vaccination will likely also be necessary.

Evaluation of the acceptability in France of the vaccine against papillomavirus (HPV) among middle and high school students and their parents.

The pathogenic and oncogenic roles of papillomavirus (HPV) infections have been documented and shown to occur in women as well as in men. While other countries have already extended their vaccination guidelines to include boys, in 2019 the French National Authority for Health validated implementation of HPV vaccination in the 2020 vaccination schedule. There is, however, a climate of distrust in regard to vaccination in France, and there have been few studies to date regarding the acceptability of HPV vaccination in boys in France. The aim of this study was, therefore, to evaluate the acceptability of extending the recommendations for HPV vaccination in men, among middle and high school students and their parents. Our study (HPVac) was a prospective, multicenter, departmental, and descriptive survey applied to a sample of male middle and high school students attending schools in the Loire-Atlantique department and their parents. It took place from January 2017 to January 2018. We analyzed the information obtained from 127 parent questionnaires and 145 children questionnaires. In terms of acceptability, 36.6% (n = 53) of the children and 37.8% (n = 48) of the parents were in favour of being vaccinated or of having their children vaccinated against HPV (51.7% (n = 75) and 50.4% (n = 64), respectively, were undecided). The perception of a risk stemming from HPV infection was positively associated with acceptability of the HPV vaccine. Being against vaccines in general, being discouraged by their parents, parents thinking that their child is not at risk, and the belief that the vaccine is not mandatory were arguments cited and significantly associated with a willingness to be vaccinated. This study revealed a lack of information among boys and their parents about HPV and its vaccination. It also clearly showed that taking time to discuss the consequences of an infection and the merits of being vaccinated can help parents overcome their reluctance. The children then generally go along with their parent's choice.

Incidence of vulvar high-grade precancerous lesions and cancer in Denmark before and after introduction of HPV vaccination

ObjectiveTo assess the incidence of vulvar high-grade precancerous lesions and cancer in Denmark during 1997–2018. MethodsWe identified incident vulvar cancer cases in the Danish Cancer Registry and incident cases of vulvar precancerous lesions in the Danish Pathology Register. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates of vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC), non-SCC and precancerous lesions, and age-specific incidence rates of VSCC and precancerous lesions. Incidence trends were evaluated using linear Poisson regression to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC). For vulvar precancerous lesions, trends were evaluated in the period before (1997–2007) and after (2008–2018) implementation of HPV vaccination. ResultsIn the 22-year study period, the age-standardized incidence rate of VSCC increased from 1.23 (1997–1998) to 1.98 per 100,000 (2017–2018), corresponding to an average yearly increase of 2.95% (95%CI: 2.15–3.75). The incidence of non-SCC increased only slightly. Overall, the incidence of vulvar precancerous lesions increased (AAPC = 2.38%; 95%CI: 1.75–3.02). After implementation of HPV vaccination, the incidence of vulvar precancerous lesions decreased significantly in women aged <20 (AAPC = −22.10% (95%CI: −35.27 to −6.26)) and 20–29 years (AAPC = −6.57, 95% CI: −10.63 to −2.33), whereas the incidence increased in the majority of age groups ≥50 years. ConclusionsOverall, the incidence of VSCC and vulvar precancerous lesions increased during 1997–2018. However, after introduction of HPV vaccination, the incidence of vulvar precancerous lesions decreased among women aged <20 and 20–29 years, pointing towards a possible effect of HPV vaccination in this group. This development should be followed in the future.

1641. A Comparison of Human Papilloma Virus Infection Prevalence Trends Pre- and Post-HPV Vaccine Implementation

BackgroundHuman papilloma virus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States, with an annual incidence rate of approximately 14 million people. The HPV vaccine has been demonstrated to be highly effective in the prevention of HPV infection and HPV-associated diseases. This study aims to evaluate the impact of HPV vaccine on the prevalence of HPV infection in the United States and evaluate the trends of disease prevalence pre- and post-HPV vaccine implementation.MethodsWe conducted a secondary data analysis of the National Health and Education Survey (NHANES) for trends in HPV infection from 2003 to 2016. The analysis was grouped into a pre-HPV vaccine implementation (2003–2006) cohort including 4064 females, aged 18–59 years; and a post-HPV vaccine implementation (2007–2016) cohort which included 10718 females, aged 18–59 years. Further analysis of HPV infection prevalence, pre- and post-HPV vaccine implementation, stratified by sociodemographic characteristics were conducted.ResultsThe prevalence of HPV infection prior to HPV vaccine implementation was 43.98% (95 CI 42.71%–46.58%) compared with 40.55% (95 C.I 40.55%–40.56%) in the post-HPV vaccine implementation era. Among females with HPV infections in the post-HPV vaccine implementation cohort 82.6 (95% CI 80.41%–83.42%) were unvaccinated. In both cohorts, black females had a significantly higher prevalence of HPV with a prevalence rate of 18.56% (95% CI 18.23%–20.56%) in the pre-HPV vaccine implementation cohort, and 15.61% (95% CI 14.82 – 19.4%) in the post-HPV vaccine implementation cohort. Females with less than high school education had a higher prevalence of HPV in the pre and post- HPV vaccine implementation cohorts with prevalence rates of 25.77% (95% CI 23.44%–28.72%) and 24.96% (95% CI 23.41%–25.67%), respectively.ConclusionThe results suggest that HPV infection prevalence has declined since the implementation of HPV vaccine to US national immunization program. Our findings highlight disparities in HPV infection prevalence by race and educational status, and these patterns are in keeping with HPV-associated disease such as warts and HPV-associated cancers.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Prevalence and genotype-specific distribution of human papillomavirus in Burundi according to HIV status and urban or rural residence and its implications for control.

BackgroundHuman papillomaviruses are the most important causative agents for invasive cervical cancer development. HPV type-specific vaccination and HPV cervical cancer screening methods are being widely recommended to control the disease but the epidemiology of the circulating HPV types may vary locally. The circulating HPV-strains have never been assessed in Burundi. This study determined the prevalence and genotype-specific distribution of HPV in four different strata in Burundi: HIV-infected or non-infected and women living in rural or urban areas. Implications for HPV diagnosis and vaccine implementation was discussed.MethodsFour cross-sectional surveys were conducted in Burundi (2013 in a rural area and 2016 in urban area) among HIV-infected and uninfected women living in rural and urban areas. Liquid-Based Cytology (LBC) and HPV genotyping were performed and risk factors for HPV infection and cervical pre-cancer lesions were determined using logistic regression model.ResultsHPV prevalence was very high in urban area with significant differences between HIV-positive and negative women (p<0.0001). In fact, 45.7% of HIV-positive participants were infected with any HPV type and all were infected with at least one HR/pHR-HPV type. Among the HIV-negative participants, 13.4% were HPV-infected, of whom, only four women (2.7%) were infected with HR/pHR-HPV types. In rural area, HPV infection did not significantly differ between HIV-positive and negative women (30.0% and 31.3% respectively; p = 0.80). In urban area, multiple infections with HR/pHR-HPV types were detected in 13.9% and 2.7% among HIV-positive and negative women respectively (p<0.0001), whereas in rural area, multiple infections with HR/pHR-HPV types were detected in 4.7% and 3.3% of HIV-positive and negative women respectively (p = 0.56). The most prevalent HR/pHR-HPV types in HIV-positive women living in urban area were HPV 52, 51, 56, 18 and 16 types. In HIV-negative women living in urban area, the most prevalent HR/pHR-HPV types were HPV 66, 67, 18, 45 and 39 types. In HIV-positive women living in rural area, the most prevalent HR/pHR-HPV types were HPV 66, 16, 18 and 33 types. In HIV-negative women living in rural area, the most prevalent HR/pHR-HPV types were HPV 16, 66, 18, 35 and 45 types. Independent risk factors associated with cervical lesions were HPV and HIV infections.ConclusionsThere is a high burden of HR and pHR-HPV infections, in particular among HIV-infected women living in urban area. The study points out the need to introduce a comprehensive cervical cancer control programme adapted to the context. This study shows that the nonavalent vaccine covers most of the HR/pHR-HPV infections in rural and urban areas among HIV-infected and uninfected women.

Opportunities to improve immune-based prevention of HPV-associated cancers

Immunization of adolescent girls with VLP vaccines, made of L1 proteins from the most medically significant high risk HPV types, is a major strategy for prevention of cervical cancer plus other HPV-associated cancers. Maximal population impact, including through herd immunity, requires high vaccination coverage. However, protection of unvaccinated women requires secondary prevention through cytology screening. Unfortunately in countries with the highest incidence/mortality due to cervical cancer HPV vaccination (or cytology screening) is not sufficiently available. Vaccination programme costs and a lack of accessibility of the populations for immunization remain significant hurdles. Several approaches could increase effective implementation of HPV vaccination. 1) Use of a single immunization of the current VLP vaccines. 2) Vaccination bundled with other paediatric vaccines with lower dosage to facilitate delivery, improve coverage and reduce costs through established logistics. 3) Local manufacture with lower cost systems (e.g. bacteria) for VLP or capsomer based vaccine production and utilization of additional protective epitopes (e.g L2) for increasing breadth of protection. However, all the latter need appropriate clinical validation. Gender neutral vaccination and extending routine vaccination strategies to women up to age 30 years in combination with at least one HPV screening test can also hasten impact on cancer incidence.

Patterns and trends of HPV-related cancers other than cervix in South Africa from 1994–2013

BackgroundHPV infection causes several cancers which include cervical, vaginal, vulval, penile and oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). Understanding the burden of HPV-related cancers is important for guiding cancer prevention and treatment interventions. MethodsTo inform policy, we analysed trends of age-standardised incidence (ASIR) and mortality (ASMR) rates for HPV-related head and neck (HNC) and anogenital cancers (AGC) in South Africa between 1994 and 2013. ResultsA total of 1 028 330 incident cancers and 617 044 cancer-related deaths were reported during the study period. The overall ASIR (-5.5%) and ASMR (-2.2%) for HNC declined, in part related to the anti-smoking legislation. In contrast, incidence (2.9%) and mortality (0.8%) rates for AGC increased with the rising HIV prevalence. ASIR for oral cavity cancer (OCC: -6.3%) and laryngeal cancer (LC: -11.3%) declined, including mortality associated with these cancers (OCC:-1.9%, and LC:-2.6%). However, oropharyngeal cancer showed a slower rate of decline in ASIR (-4.4%) and ASMR did not change. Compared to women, ASIR and ASMR for HNC were 3-fold higher among men. ASIR for both anal (7.5%) and vulval cancer (16.1%) increased. Median age at diagnosis of vulval cancer declined by 18 years (p-value = 0.01). Mortality rates for anal (3.9%) and vulval (2.6%) cancer increased. ASIR (-3.2%) and ASMR (-2.0%) for penile cancer declined. Rates for vaginal cancer did not change. ConclusionsAnal and vulval cancers have increased over the reporting period. There is need to continuously monitor trends of these cancers. Implementation of HPV vaccination could significantly reduce the burden of HPV-related cancers.