Assessing the annual economic burden of preventing and treating anogenital human papillomavirus-related disease in the US: analytic framework and review of the literature

Using risk to target HPV vaccines in high-risk, low-resource organizations

Organizations in developed countries with limited financial resources may find it difficult to determine whether it is preferable to use these resources for HPV vaccination, management of HPV-related diseases, or a "hybrid" strategy, such as vaccinating only the highest risk individuals. We determined the organizational costs and clinical impacts of three different organizational approaches to female HPV vaccination in a low-resource setting, including vaccinating everyone, vaccinating no one, or vaccinating only those considered high-risk. To determine patients at highest risk, HPV risk factors were identified using information routinely gathered at the annual preventive maintenance visit. The three vaccination strategies were then compared using a decision tree analysis. The three strategies demonstrated very little difference in cost. However, the least expensive strategy was to vaccinate no one. In contrast, the strategy with the best clinical outcomes was for the organization to vaccinate everyone. Organizations with limited resources must decide how to best allocate these funds to provide the greatest clinical benefits. This study showed little difference in costs but improved clinical outcomes when using the universal HPV vaccination strategy. Thus, the improvement in clinical outcomes when vaccinating everyone may be worth the relatively small increase in cost of vaccinating everyone.

Male genital premalignant dermatoses

The spectrum of conditions affecting the penile skin is varied and ranges from simple, benign dermatoses to premalignant and malignant conditions. Recently, improved understanding of the aetiology and natural history of these conditions has shaped new treatment paradigms and a functional knowledge of dermatology, urology and genitourinary medicine is required to successfully diagnose and treat these men. In this article, we explore the common precancerous states that can lead to penile carcinoma and review the recent advances with regards to the molecular basis for these dermatoses and the treatments that may be most effective for these men.

Risk factors for and prevention of human papillomaviruses (HPV), genital warts and cervical cancer

Genital HPV infection is associated with development of cervical cancer, cervical neoplasia, anogenital warts, and other anogenital cancers. A number of reviews have primarily addressed the role of HPV infection in cervical carcinogenesis, and differences in human papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes found in cervical cancer cases by histology and geographical region. This review provides an informative summary of the broad body of literature on the burden of HPV, the risk factors for HPV infection, genital warts and cervical cancer, and preventive measures against these conditions in females. Studies have identified the main risk factors for genital HPV infection in females as follows: acquisition of new male partners; an increasing number of lifetime sexual partners both in females and their male partners; and having non-monogamous male partners. Cervical cancer screening and HPV vaccination are the primary measures currently recommended to prevent cervical cancer. There is also an ongoing debate and conflicting findings on whether male circumcision and condom use protect against HPV infection and subsequent development of HPV-related illnesses in females.

Estimates of the annual direct medical costs of the prevention and treatment of disease associated with human papillomavirus in the United States

Estimates of the direct medical costs attributable to human papillomavirus (HPV) can help to quantify the economic burden of HPV and to illustrate the potential benefits of HPV vaccination. The purpose of this report was to update the estimated annual direct medical costs of the prevention and treatment of HPV-associated disease in the United States, for all HPV types. We included the costs of cervical cancer screening and follow-up and the treatment costs of the following HPV-associated health outcomes: cervical cancer, other anogenital cancers (anal, vaginal, vulvar and penile), oropharyngeal cancer, genital warts, and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP). We obtained updated incidence and cost estimates from the literature. The overall annual direct medical cost burden of preventing and treating HPV-associated disease was estimated to be $8.0 billion (2010 U.S. dollars). Of this total cost, about $6.6 billion (82.3%) was for routine cervical cancer screening and follow-up, $1.0 billion (12.0%) was for cancer (including $0.4 billion for cervical cancer and $0.3 billion for oropharyngeal cancer), $0.3 billion (3.6%) was for genital warts, and $0.2 billion (2.1%) was for RRP.

Costs associated with management of cervical human papillomavirus-related conditions

BACKGROUND

Oncogenic types of human papillomavirus (HPV) have been linked to 99.7% of cervical cancer cases worldwide.

METHODS

This retrospective claims-based analysis was conducted to assess patterns of use and costs associated with diagnostic and treatment procedures for disease attributed to HPV performed before the introduction of HPV vaccination (January 1, 2001-May 31, 2006). Percentages of commercially insured health plan enrollees who underwent each procedure of interest were calculated for each year. Annual costs (combined patient and health plan-paid amounts) were calculated from qualifying medical claims. Descriptive statistics were used to assess trends in procedure rates and costs.

RESULTS

Data for approximately 14.2 million enrollees were obtained. Hysterectomy was the most commonly administered treatment. With the exception of colposcopy with LEEP, all other treatment procedures experienced a decline in rate of use. The most frequently performed diagnostic procedure was colposcopy with endocervical curettage (ECC). With the exception of ECC, rates of diagnostic procedures reached a peak among 20- to 24-year-olds, and followed a downward trend across older groups. Hysterectomy was the most expensive treatment (median $7,383; mean $8,384) per procedure in 2006.

CONCLUSION

Results reveal high rates of use and high-associated costs of diagnostic procedures and treatments related to disease attributed to HPV.

IMPACT

The data presented may be useful in cost-effectiveness analyses and to guide decision makers evaluating how best to optimize prevention strategies.

The cost effectiveness of human papillomavirus vaccines: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the world's most common sexually transmitted infections, and has been associated with a number of cervical and non-cervical diseases, including cancer. HPV vaccines have been licensed for use in females for some time, but the quadrivalent vaccine has only recently become licensed for use in males. Many countries have adopted a vaccination programme for adolescent females based on results of cost-effectiveness analyses. However, given the new indications for use of the vaccine in males, decision makers require information on the cost effectiveness of vaccinating males in order to make policy decisions on whether or not to fund such programmes.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to conduct a qualitative systematic review to update a previously conducted review of HPV vaccine studies.

METHODS

Articles were obtained from an extensive literature search to determine the cost effectiveness of implementing an HPV vaccination programme with routine cervical cancer screening. A total of 29 studies were included in this review. Seventeen of the included articles looked only at cervical disease outcomes, and 12 studies also included non-cervical disease outcomes. Four studies explored the economic impact of vaccinating both boys and girls. One study focused on a population of men who have sex with men (MSM).

RESULTS

While different model structures, input parameters and baseline assumptions were used, the consistent message in studies that focused on female-only vaccination programmes was that routine vaccination of females is cost effective compared with cervical cancer screening alone.

DISCUSSION

Based on the currently available literature, it appears that the addition of boys to a vaccination programme generally exceeds traditional cost-effectiveness thresholds. The MSM population represents a potential additional target for routine HPV vaccination; however, more cost-effectiveness studies are required before making such a policy change.

Perspective for prophylaxis and treatment of cervical cancer: an immunological approach

As the second most common cause of cancer-related death in women, human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccines have been a major step in decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with cervical cancer. An estimated 490,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Increasing knowledge of the HPV role in the etiology of cervical cancer has led to the development and introduction of HPV-based vaccines for active immunotherapy of cervical cancer. Immunotherapies directed at preventing HPV-persistent infections. These vaccines are already accessible for prophylaxis and in the near future, they will be available for the treatment of preexisting HPV-related neoplastic lesions.

Cervical cancer screening in the United States and the Netherlands: a tale of two countries

CONTEXT

This article compares cervical cancer screening intensity and cervical cancer mortality trends in the United States and the Netherlands to illustrate the potential of cross-national comparative studies. We discuss the lessons that can be learned from the comparison as well as the challenges in each country to effective and efficient screening.

METHODS

We used nationally representative data sources in the United States and the Netherlands to estimate the number of Pap smears and the cervical cancer mortality rate since 1950. The following questions are addressed: How do differences in intensity of Pap smear use between the countries translate into differences in mortality trends? Can population coverage rates (the proportion of eligible women who had a Pap smear within a specified period) explain the mortality trends better than the total intensity of Pap smear use?

FINDINGS

Even though three to four times more Pap smears per woman were conducted in the United States than in the Netherlands over a period of three decades, the two countries' mortality trends were quite similar. The five-year coverage rates for women aged thirty to sixty-four were quite comparable at 80 to 90 percent. Because screening in the Netherlands was limited to ages thirty to sixty, screening rates for women under thirty and over sixty were much higher in the United States. These differences had consequences for age-specific mortality trends. The relatively good coverage rate in the Netherlands can be traced back to a nationwide invitation system based on municipal population registries. While both countries followed a "policy cycle" involving evidence review, surveillance of screening practices and outcomes, clinical guidelines, and reimbursement policies, the components of this cycle were more systematically linked and implemented nationwide in the Netherlands than in the United States. To a large extent, this was facilitated by a public health model of screening in the Netherlands, rather than a medical services model.

CONCLUSIONS

Cross-country studies like ours are natural experiments that can produce insights not easily obtained from other types of study. The cervical cancer screening system in the Netherlands seems to have been as effective as the U.S. system but used much less screening. Adequate coverage of the female population at risk seems to be of central importance.

Economic and humanistic burden of external genital warts

External genital warts (EGW) are a sexually transmitted infection caused by various strains of human papillomavirus (HPV). Several studies have described the direct and indirect costs of EGW, while others have reported on the burden of EGW in terms of the impact on the quality of life (QOL) of patients. The arrival of a quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against both cervical cancer and EGW requires a proper understanding of the impact of vaccines on costs and QOL. Using pre-defined search terms and inclusion/exclusion criteria, we performed a systematic review of the economic and humanistic burden of EGW. The focus of our review was on literature describing the direct and indirect costs of EGW per episode of care (EoC) or per year, as well as the impact of EGW on disease-specific, generic, or preference-based QOL measures. We also reviewed the literature on the national economic burden of EGW from the perspectives of different countries. Other aspects of EGW management that can inform economic modelling studies, such as length of EoC, number of physician visits and indirect costs, were also explored. Our review sheds light on the high economic and humanistic burden of EGW and important differences in the costs between men and women, as well as the differences in health resource utilization and costs across countries. Our study also highlights the dearth of information on the impact of EGW on the QOL and productivity of patients.

Health economics of screening for gynaecological cancers

In this chapter, we summarise findings from recent cost-effectiveness analyses of screening for cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. We begin with a brief summary of key issues that affect the cost-effectiveness of screening, including disease burden, and availability and type of screening tests. For cervical cancer, we discuss the potential effect of human papilloma virus vaccines on screening. Outstanding epidemiological and cost-effectiveness issues are included. For cervical cancer, this includes incorporating the long-term effect of treatment (including adverse birth outcomes in treated women who are of reproductive age) into cost-effectiveness models using newly available trial data to identify the best strategy for incorporating human papilloma virus tests. A second issue is the need for additional data on human papilloma virus vaccines, such as effectiveness of reduced cancer incidence and mortality, effectiveness in previously exposed women and coverage. Definitive data on these parameters will allow us to update model-based analyses to include more realistic estimates, and also potentially dramatically alter our approach to screening. For ovarian cancer, outstanding issues include confirming within the context of a trial that screening is effective for reducing mortality and incorporating tests with high specificity into screening into screening algorithms for ovarian cancer.

Cancer vaccines

The term cancer vaccines encompasses 2 different types of vaccines. Prophylactic vaccines block infection by viruses that can alter host DNA and result in cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine and the human papillomavirus vaccines are examples of prophylactic vaccines that can prevent cancer from developing. More recently, therapeutic vaccines have been developed and used as adjunctive therapy in patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer. Therapeutic vaccines stimulate the host's immune system to recognize cancer cells as foreign and to attack them. Most of the therapeutic vaccines being studied are used in combination with other forms of cancer therapy.

Human papillomavirus vaccine delivery strategies that achieved high coverage in low- and middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE

To assess human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination coverage after demonstration projects conducted in India, Peru, Uganda and Viet Nam by PATH and national governments and to explore the reasons for vaccine acceptance or refusal.

METHODS

Vaccines were delivered through schools or health centres or in combination with other health interventions, and either monthly or through campaigns at fixed time points. Using a two-stage cluster sample design, the authors selected households in demonstration project areas and interviewed over 7000 parents or guardians of adolescent girls to assess coverage and acceptability. They defined full vaccination as the receipt of all three vaccine doses and used an open-ended question to explore acceptability.

FINDINGS

Vaccination coverage in school-based programmes was 82.6% (95% confidence interval, CI: 79.3-85.6) in Peru, 88.9% (95% CI: 84.7-92.4) in 2009 in Uganda and 96.1% (95% CI: 93.0-97.8) in 2009 in Viet Nam. In India, a campaign approach achieved 77.2% (95% CI: 72.4-81.6) to 87.8% (95% CI: 84.3-91.3) coverage, whereas monthly delivery achieved 68.4% (95% CI: 63.4-73.4) to 83.3% (95% CI: 79.3-87.3) coverage. More than two thirds of respondents gave as reasons for accepting the HPV vaccine that: (i) it protects against cervical cancer; (ii) it prevents disease, or (iii) vaccines are good. Refusal was more often driven by programmatic considerations (e.g. school absenteeism) than by opposition to the vaccine.

CONCLUSION

High coverage with HPV vaccine among young adolescent girls was achieved through various delivery strategies in the developing countries studied. Reinforcing positive motivators for vaccine acceptance is likely to facilitate uptake.

Incidence and human papillomavirus (HPV) type distribution of genital warts in a multinational cohort of men: the HPV in men study

BACKGROUND

Data on the natural history of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related genital warts (GWs) in men are sparse. We described the distribution of HPV types in incident GWs and estimated GW incidence and time from type-specific incident HPV infections to GW detection in a multinational cohort of men aged 18-70 years.

METHODS

Participants included 2487 men examined for GWs and tested for HPV every 6 months and followed up for a median of 17.9 months. Samples were taken from 112 men with incident GWs to test for HPV DNA by polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Incidence of GWs was 2.35 cases per 1000 person-years, with highest incidence among men aged 18-30 years (3.43 cases per 1000 person-years). HPV 6 (43.8%), HPV 11 (10.7%), and HPV 16 (9.8%) were the genotypes most commonly detected in GWs. The 24-month cumulative incidence of GWs among men with incident HPV 6/11 infections was 14.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.5%-21.1%). Median time to GW detection was 17.1 months (95% CI, 12.4-19.3 months), with shortest time to detection among men with incident infections with HPV 6/11 only (6.2 months; 95% CI, 5.6-24.2 months).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV 6/11 plays an important role in GW development, with the highest incidence and shortest time to detection among men with incident HPV 6/11 infection.

Genital HPV infection and related lesions in men

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is highly prevalent in men and there is an interest in further understanding the relationship between HPV infection and disease in men, including the development of genital warts, penile intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive penile carcinomas. Genital warts are caused by HPV 6/11 and are the most common clinical manifestation of HPV in men. Though they are benign and not associated with mortality, they are a source of psychosocial distress and physical discomfort. HPV infection can also develop into invasive penile carcinoma which is associated with morbidity and mortality. Approximately 40% of invasive penile carcinomas are attributable to HPV with HPV 16, 18, and 6/11 being the genotypes most commonly detected in penile tumors. Penile carcinomas of the basaloid and warty histologic subtypes are most likely to test positive for HPV. In addition to HPV infection, the risk factors most strongly associated with penile cancer are lack of neonatal circumcision, phimosis (the inability of uncircumcised men to fully retract the foreskin), and anogenital warts. Male vaccination with the quadrivalent HPV vaccine that protects against HPV 6/11/16/18 has been shown to significantly reduce HPV-associated anogenital infection and disease in men. If the quadrivalent vaccine is successfully disseminated to large segments of the young male population, there is the potential for substantial reduction in genital HPV infection and related lesions in men.

Disparities in human papillomavirus vaccine completion among vaccine initiators

OBJECTIVE

To estimate rates of completing the full three-dose prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination regimen in patients who initiated the series and to identify variables associated with not completing vaccination.

METHODS

This single-institution review identified all patients initiating HPV vaccination at one of four affiliated clinics between January 2007 and June 2008. Vaccination "completers" were defined as patients who had completed all three vaccinations within 12 months of initiating the vaccination series. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with vaccine completion. Variables analyzed included age, type of insurance (private compared with public), practice location (urban compared with suburban), practice type (pediatrics, gynecology, or family practice), and race or ethnicity (white or African American and Hispanic).

RESULTS

Of the 1,413 girls and young women who initiated HPV vaccination, 469 (33.2%) completed the vaccine series. Overall, private insurances (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval 1.26-2.76) and suburban practice locations (odds ratio 1.44, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.98) were associated with higher vaccine completion rates. African American race was associated with lower completion rates (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.65). In multivariable analyses, the combination of younger age (11-17 years) and urban practice location was associated with very low likelihood of completing HPV vaccination (22%; P=.023).

CONCLUSION

The HPV vaccine completion rate is low. When resources are limited, disparities in HPV vaccine completion should be considered when developing programs to improve vaccine utilization. Urban girls and young women should be targeted as an at-risk population.

Imiquimod 3.75% cream applied daily to treat anogenital warts: combined results from women in two randomized, placebo-controlled studies

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate if new imiquimod formulations using a shorter treatment duration are safe and efficacious to treat anogenital warts.

METHODS

In two studies 534 women ≥12 years of age (mean 33.4) with 2-30 warts (mean 7.9) and total wart area ≥10 mm(2) (mean 166.3) were randomized (1:2:2) to placebo (106), imiquimod 2.5% (212) or 3.75% (216) creams applied once daily until complete clearance or a maximum of 8 weeks.

RESULTS

For placebo, imiquimod 2.5% and 3.75%, respectively, complete clearance of all warts was achieved in 14.2%, 28.3%, and 36.6% of women (intent-to-treat, P = 0.008 imiquimod 2.5%, and P < 0.001 3.75% versus placebo). Mean changes in wart counts were -10.7%, -50.9%, and -63.5% (per-protocol, P < 0.001 each active versus placebo) and safety-related discontinuation rates 0.9%, 1.4%, and 2.3%.

CONCLUSIONS

Imiquimod 3.75% applied daily for up to 8 weeks was well tolerated and superior to placebo in treating women with external anogenital warts.

Performance of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and HPV16 or HPV18 genotyping for cervical cancer screening of women aged 25 years and older: a subanalysis of the ATHENA study

BACKGROUND

The ATHENA study was designed to assess the performance of carcinogenic human papillomavirus (HPV) testing and HPV16 or HPV18 genotyping compared with liquid-based cytology for cervical cancer screening in a large US population aged 21 years and older. We did a subanalysis of this population to compare the screening performance of the cobas HPV test versus liquid-based cytology in women aged 25 years and older, and assess management strategies for HPV-positive women.

METHODS

Women aged 25 years or older who were attending routine cervical screening were enrolled from 61 clinical centres in 23 US states. Cervical specimens were obtained for liquid-based cytology and HPV DNA testing with two first-generation assays (Amplicor HPV test and Linear Array HPV genotyping test) and the second-generation cobas HPV test (with individual HPV16 and HPV18 detection). Colposcopy and diagnostic biopsies were done on women with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) or worse cytology, those who tested positive with either first-generation HPV test, and a random sample of women who tested negative for HPV and cytology. All women not selected for colposcopy received their results and exited the study. Participants and colposcopists were masked to cytology and HPV test results until the colposcopy visit was completed. The primary endpoint for this substudy was histologically confirmed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) or worse. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00709891; the study is in the follow-up phase, which is due to be completed in December, 2012.

FINDINGS

From May 27, 2008, to Aug 27, 2009, 47,208 women were enrolled, of whom 41,955 met our eligibility criteria. Valid cobas HPV and liquid-based cytology test results were available for 40,901 women (97%), who were included in this analysis. Of these, 4275 women (10%) tested cobas HPV positive and 2617 (6%) had abnormal cytology. 431 women were diagnosed with CIN2 or worse and 274 with CIN3 or worse. In women who had colposcopy, the cobas HPV test was more sensitive than liquid-based cytology for detection of CIN3 or worse (252/274 [92·0%, 95% CI 88·1-94·6] vs 146/274 [53·3%, 95% CI 47·4-59·1]; difference 38·7%, 95% CI 31·9-45·5; p<0·0001). Addition of liquid-based cytology to HPV testing increased sensitivity for CIN3 or worse to 96·7% (265/274, 95% CI 93·9-98·3), but increased the number of screen positives by 35·2% (5783/40,901 vs 4275/40,901) compared with HPV testing alone. As a triage test to identify CIN3 or worse in HPV-positive women, detection of HPV16, HPV18, or both alone was equivalent to detection of ASC-US or worse alone in terms of sensitivity (150/252 [59·5%] vs 133/252 [52·8%]; p=0·11) and positive predictive value (PPV) (150/966 [15·5%] vs 133/940 [14·1%]; p=0·20). Among HPV-positive women, detection of HPV16, HPV18, or both or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse cytology had better sensitivity (182/252 [72·2%]; p<0·0001) and similar PPV (182/1314 [13·9%]; p=0·70) for detection of CIN3 or worse than ASC-US or worse cytology alone. Furthermore, detection of HPV16, HPV18, or both or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion or worse cytology had higher sensitivity (165/252 [65·5%]; p=0·0011) and PPV (165/1013 [16·3%]; p=0·031) for detection of CIN3 or worse than ASC-US or worse cytology alone.

INTERPRETATION

HPV testing with separate HPV16 and HPV18 detection could provide an alternative, more sensitive, and efficient strategy for cervical cancer screening than do methods based solely on cytology.

FUNDING

Roche Molecular Systems.

Role and uptake of human papillomavirus vaccine in adolescent health in the United States

Both the prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, Gardasil^® and Cervarix^®, are licensed for the prevention of cervical cancer in females, and Gardasil is also licensed for the prevention of genital warts and anal cancer in both males and females. This review focuses on the uptake of these vaccines in adolescent males and females in the USA and the barriers associated with vaccine initiation and completion. In the USA in 2009, approximately 44.3% of adolescent females aged 13-17 years had received at least one dose of the HPV vaccine, but only 26.7% had received all three doses. In general, the Northeast and Midwest regions of the USA have the highest rates of HPV vaccine initiation in adolescent females, while the Southeast has the lowest rates of vaccine initiation. Uptake of the first dose of the HPV vaccine in adolescent females did not vary by race/ethnicity; however, completion of all three doses is lower among African Americans (23.1%) and Latinos (23.4%) compared with Caucasians (29.3%). At present, vaccination rates among adolescent females are lower than expected, and thus vaccine models suggest that it is more cost-effective to vaccinate both adolescent males and females. Current guidelines for HPV vaccination in adolescent males is recommended only for "permissive use," which leaves this population out of routine vaccination for HPV. The uptake of the vaccine is challenged by the high cost, feasibility, and logistics of three-dose deliveries. The biggest impact on acceptability of the vaccine is by adolescents, physicians, parents, and the community. Future efforts need to focus on HPV vaccine education among adolescents and decreasing the barriers associated with poor vaccine uptake and completion in adolescents before their sexual debut, but Papanicolau screening should remain routine among adults and those already infected until a therapeutic vaccine can be developed.

Human papillomavirus vaccine: widening the scope for cancer prevention

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the necessary cause of cervical cancer. The HPV oncoproteins E6 and E7 have crucial roles in various steps of carcinogenesis, inducing degradation of p53 and destabilization of pRb. Several clinical trials show that recombinant HPV vaccines are safe and effective in preventing persistent infection of HPV and associated anogenital lesions. Although most clinical studies to date have investigated the effectiveness of HPV vaccines in young female subjects, elderly females and males may also be candidates for HPV vaccines. Prophylactic HPV vaccination may be an ideal preventive method for other HPV-associated cancers in addition to cervical carcinoma. Carcinogenesis by HPV, efficacy trials of currently available HPV vaccines, and the possible roles of HPV vaccines in the prevention of HPV-associated cancers are reviewed in this article.

Incident cervical HPV infections in young women: transition probabilities for CIN and infection clearance

BACKGROUND

We describe transition probabilities for incident human papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18/31/33/35/45/52/58/59 infections and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 lesions.

METHODS

Women ages 16 to 23 years underwent cytology and cervical swab PCR testing for HPV at approximately 6-month intervals for up to 4 years in the placebo arm of an HPV vaccine trial. The cumulative proportion of incident HPV infections with diagnosed CIN, clearing (infection undetectable), or persisting without CIN, were estimated.

RESULTS

Most incident infections cleared, without detection of CIN, ranging at 36 months from 66.9% for HPV31 to 91.1% for HPV59. There was little variation in the 36-month proportion of incident HPV16, 18, and 31 infections followed by a CIN1 lesion positive for the relevant HPV type (range 16.7%-18.6%), with lower risks for HPV59 (6.4%) and HPV33 (2.9%). Thirty-six-month transition probabilities for CIN2 ranged across types from 2.2% to 9.1%; however, the number of events was generally too small for statistically significant differences to be seen across types for this endpoint, or CIN3.

CONCLUSIONS

Some incident HPV types appear more likely to result in diagnosed CIN1 than others. The relative predominance of HPV16, vis-à-vis some other high-risk HPV types (e.g., HPV33) in prevalent CIN2/3, appears more directly associated with relatively greater frequency of incident HPV16 infections within the population, than a higher risk of infection progression to CIN2/3.

IMPACT

Nearly all incident HPV infections either manifest as detectable CIN or become undetectable within 36 months. Some HPV types (e.g., 16 and 33) appear to have similar risk of CIN2/3 despite widely varied incidence.

Estimating the Economic Burden of Racial Health Inequalities in the United States

The primary hypothesis of this study is that racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care impose costs on numerous aspects of society, both direct health care costs and indirect costs such as loss of productivity. The authors conducted three sets of analysis, assessing: (1) direct medical costs and (2) indirect costs, using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (2002–2006) to estimate the potential cost savings of eliminating health disparities for racial/ethnic minorities and the productivity loss associated with health inequalities for racial/ethnic minorities, respectively; and (3) costs of premature death, using data from the National Vital Statistics Reports (2003–2006). They estimate that eliminating health disparities for minorities would have reduced direct medical care expenditures by about $230 billion and indirect costs associated with illness and premature death by more than $1 trillion for the years 2003–2006 (in 2008 inflation-adjusted dollars). We should address health disparities because such inequities are inconsistent with the values of our society and addressing them is the right thing to do, but this analysis shows that social justice can also be cost effective.

Economic burden of vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia: retrospective cost study at a German dysplasia centre

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus is responsible for a variety of diseases including grade 2 and 3 vulvar and vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia. The aim of this study was to assess parts of the burden of the last diseases including treatment costs. The direct medical resource use and cost of surgery associated with neoplasia and related diagnostic procedures (statutory health insurance perspective) were estimated, as were the indirect costs (productivity losses) associated with surgical treatment and related gynaecology visits for diagnostic purposes.

METHODS

Data from 1991-2008 were retrospectively collected from patient records of the outpatient unit of the Gynaecological Dysplasia Clinic, Heinrich Heine University, Dusseldorf, Germany. Two subgroups of patients were analysed descriptively: women undergoing one surgical procedure related to a diagnosis of vulvar and/or vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia, and women undergoing two or more surgical procedures. Target measures were per-capita medical resource consumption, direct medical cost and indirect cost.

RESULTS

Of the 94 women analysed, 52 underwent one surgical intervention and 42 two or more interventions (mean of 3.0 interventions during the total period of analysis). Patients undergoing one surgical intervention accrued €881 in direct costs and €682 in indirect costs; patients undergoing more than one intervention accrued €2,605 in direct costs and €2,432 in indirect costs.

CONCLUSIONS

The economic burden on German statutory health insurance funds and society induced by surgical interventions and related diagnostic procedures for grade 2/3 vulvar and vaginal neoplasia should not be underrated. The cost burden is one part of the overall burden attributable to human papillomavirus infections.

Feasibility of using maternal cancer screening visits to identify adolescent girls eligible for human papillomavirus vaccination

PURPOSE

Breast or cervical cancer screening visits may present an opportunity to motivate mothers to have their daughters vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). In preparation for a future intervention study, we sought to establish the feasibility of using these visits to identify women with at least one daughter in the appropriate age range for adolescent HPV vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional mailed survey of women who had received breast or cervical cancer screening within the 6-18 months before the survey. The study was conducted at two diverse institutions: one serving a mostly black (54.1%) urban inner-city population and another serving a mostly white (87.5%) suburban population.

RESULTS

Our overall response rate was 28% (n = 556) in the urban site and 38% (n = 381) in the suburban site. In the urban site, the proportions of mothers completing mammography or Pap smear visits with HPV vaccine-eligible daughters were 23% and 24%, respectively. In the suburban site, the proportions of mothers completing mammography or Pap smear with at least one vaccine-eligible daughter were 41% and 26%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Women who undergo breast or cervical cancer screening in the two different demographic groups evaluated have at least one adolescent daughter at the appropriate age for HPV vaccination. An important implication of this finding in adolescent daughters of urban mothers is the potential use of maternal breast or cervical cancer screening encounters to target a potentially undervaccinated group.

Keeping our adult patients healthy and active: the role of vaccines across the lifespan

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend vaccinations from birth through adulthood for lifetime protection against many diseases and infections. Healthy, active adults need to be vaccinated for personal protection against infection as well as associated health benefits (eg, ability to maintain their daily activities). Immunization also reduces the risk of an individual transmitting infection to others, thereby conferring protection to his or her entire community. In the United States, influenza and pertussis (part of the trivalent Tdap) vaccines are recommended for every adult. There are other important vaccines for adults: the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for every adult female aged up to 26 years, shingles vaccine is recommended for all adults aged ≥ 60 years, and pneumococcal vaccine is recommended based on age (all adults aged ≥ 65 years) and risk factors. Hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and meningococcal vaccines are recommended for adults with certain risk factors or conditions that increase their risk for serious complications (ie, there are no age-based recommendations for these vaccines in adults). Catch-up vaccination is also recommended for adults who have no evidence or proof of immunity to selected, traditionally childhood infections (ie, measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella). Despite the established safety and efficacy of vaccines for disease prevention, millions of adults who should be vaccinated are not, resulting in substantial and avoidable morbidity and mortality, as well as health care expenditures. It is incumbent on health care providers to raise awareness among their adult patients and encourage vaccination, thereby improving uptake among eligible adults. Routine vaccination into adulthood must be viewed as standard of care and an integral component of a comprehensive preventive care program.

Human papillomavirus 16-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in humans excludes CD8 T cells from dysplastic epithelium

High-grade cervical dysplasia caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 is a lesion that should be susceptible to an HPV-specific immune response; disease initiation and persistence is predicated on expression of two viral Ags, E6 and E7. In immune-competent subjects, at least 25% of HPV16(+) high-grade cervical dysplasia lesions undergo complete regression. However, in the peripheral blood, naturally occurring IFN-γ T cell responses to HPV E6 and E7 are weak, requiring ex vivo sensitization to detect, and are not sufficiently sensitive to predict regression. In this study, we present immunologic data directly assessing cervical lymphocytes from this cohort. We found that nearly all cervical tissue T cells express the mucosal homing receptor, α(4)β(7) surface integrin. T cells isolated from dysplastic mucosa were skewed toward a central memory phenotype compared with normal mucosal resident T cells, and dysplastic lesions expressed transcripts for CCL19 and CCL21, raising the possibility that the tissue itself sustains a response that is not detectable in the blood. Moreover, lesion regression in the study window could retrospectively be predicted at study entry by the ability of CD8(+) T cells to gain access to lesional epithelium. Vascular endothelial expression of mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1, the ligand that supports entry of α(4)β(7)(+) T cells into tissues, colocalized tightly with the distribution of CD8 T cells and was not expressed in persistent dysplastic epithelium. These findings suggest that dysregulated expression of vascular adhesion molecules plays a role in immune evasion very early in the course of HPV disease.

Meta-analysis of human papillomavirus infection concordance

BACKGROUND

Estimates of human papillomavirus (HPV) concordance among sexual partners are important for various public health activities, from counseling individual patients to predicting the effect of HPV vaccination.

METHODS

We systematically searched the PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies of HPV concordance among heterosexual couples published through 2008 in English. Two coders independently abstracted data using standardized forms. We integrated concordance data using random-effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty studies (33 study populations) that met inclusion criteria reported concordance data for 2,972 couples. Most studies were cross-sectional cohort studies conducted in Europe or Asia that used DNA hybridization to test for HPV, sometimes in conjunction with PCR. Overall, 25.5% (95% confidence interval, 17.2-36.1%) of couples were infected with 1 or more of the same HPV types. Among couples with both members HPV-positive, 63.2% (95% confidence interval, 49.1-75.3%) were infected with 1 or more of the same viral types. Positive concordance was higher for female partners of men with HPV infections than for male partners of women with HPV infections. Positive concordance was also higher for studies using PCR and for the few studies that recruited men with HPV-related disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual partners of HPV-infected individuals had high rates of HPV infection, suggesting a need for increased attention to this group.

IMPACT

Our refined estimates of HPV concordance can inform clinical encounters and public health planning. Future HPV concordance studies should use more rigorous research designs, characterize their participants in greater detail, and study more meaningful populations.

Human papillomavirus vaccination of males: attitudes and perceptions of physicians who vaccinate females

PURPOSE

We assessed U.S. physicians' attitudes and perceptions regarding potential human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of males.

METHODS

We surveyed a random sample of 2,714 pediatricians and family practitioners identified in administrative claims of a U.S. health plan as HPV vaccinators of females; 595 pediatricians and 499 family practitioners participated.

RESULTS

Most physicians would recommend HPV vaccination to males aged 11-12 (63.9%), 13-18 (93.4%), and 19-26 (92.7%) years. Physicians agreed that males should be vaccinated to prevent them from getting genital and anal warts (52.9% strongly and 36.0% somewhat) and to protect females from cervical cancer (75.3% strongly and 20.8% somewhat). Physicians agreed that an HPV vaccine recommendation for males would increase opportunities to discuss sexual health with adolescent male patients (58.7% strongly, 35.3% somewhat). Most did not strongly agree (15.4% strongly, 45.4% somewhat) that parents of adolescent male patients would be interested in HPV vaccination for males, that a gender-neutral HPV vaccine recommendation would increase acceptance by adolescent females and their parents (19.6% strongly, 42.0% somewhat), or that a gender-neutral recommendation would improve current female vaccination rates (10.4% strongly, 26.0% somewhat).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians who currently vaccinate females against HPV supported the concept of vaccinating males for its benefits for both sexes. They agreed that a gender-neutral HPV vaccination recommendation would be appropriate with regard to public health and believed that it would increase opportunities for sexual health discussions, but were less sure that such a recommendation would change patient or parental attitudes toward HPV vaccination or improve current HPV vaccination efforts.

Cervical cancer prevention through human papillomavirus vaccination: using the "teachable moment" for educational interventions

Cervical cancer represents a global women's health issue. The emergence of vaccines against the most common types of human papillomaviruses causing cervical cancer represents a significant advance in cervical cancer prevention. Adolescent girls are the primary target population for vaccination-a population that traditionally has been difficult to reach. Obstetricians and gynecologists may hold the key to improving adolescent human papillomavirus vaccinations through the novel use of their existing relationships with adolescents' mothers during the routine cervical cancer screening visit. We propose using maternal cancer screenings, specifically breast and cervical cancer screening episodes, as "teachable moments," naturally occurring life or health events thought to motivate a person to adopt risk-reducing health behaviors spontaneously, to improve human papillomavirus vaccination rates among adolescents.

Integrating clinical, community, and policy perspectives on human papillomavirus vaccination

Infection with genital human papillomavirus (HPV) may cause anogenital cancers, oropharyngeal cancers, anogenital warts, and respiratory papillomas. Two prophylactic vaccines (a bivalent and a quadrivalent vaccine) are now licensed and currently in use in a number of countries. Both vaccines prevent infection with HPV-16 and HPV-18, which together cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers, and clinical trials have demonstrated 90%-100% efficacy in preventing precancerous cervical lesions attributable to HPV-16 and HPV-18. One vaccine also prevents HPV-6 and HPV-11, which cause 90% of genital warts. A growing literature describes psychosocial, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors that influence HPV vaccination acceptability. This review summarizes the current literature and presents an integrated perspective, taking into account these diverse influences. The resulting integrated framework can be used as a heuristic tool for organizing factors at multiple levels to guide intervention development and future research.

Cost effectiveness of prophylactic HPV 16/18 vaccination in Finland: results from a modelling exercise

OBJECTIVES

the study aims to estimate the clinical-impact and cost-effectiveness value of adding human papillomavirus 16/18 vaccination against cervical cancer among women currently undergoing organised screening in Finland.

METHODS

A Markov cohort model evaluating high-risk HPV infections and cervical cancer (CC) cases combined with screening has been customised to the Finnish setting. The model outcome for a cohort of 30,000 girls aged 10 years was calibrated to age-specific annual number of Pap smears, CC incidence and mortality.

RESULTS

The observed age-specific incidence and mortality rates of CC closely match the data replicated by the model. The model predicts that with a 90% vaccine coverage rate, CC cases and mortality would be reduced by 70%. In the base-case analysis with a discount rate of 3% the incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) gained, from a healthcare perspective, was €17,294. Without discounting this value is €2,591/QALY gained.

CONCLUSIONS

The analysis suggests that implementing prophylactic CC vaccination within the current screening system would substantially reduce CC cases and deaths, as well as the overall disease burden expressed in pre-cancer lesions averted. Vaccination could be a cost-effective intervention in Finland despite the fact that the number of CC cases and deaths are currently relatively low. Conservative estimates of the cost effectiveness of the vaccination were provided since it was not possible to assess herd protection induced by vaccination using this Markov model.

Mothers' preferences and willingness to pay for vaccinating daughters against human papillomavirus

A choice-format, conjoint-analysis survey was developed and fielded to estimate how features of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines affect mothers' perceived benefit and stated vaccine uptake for daughters. Data were collected from a national sample of 307 U.S. mothers of girls aged 13-17 years who had not yet received an HPV vaccine. Preferences for four features of HPV vaccines were evaluated: protection against cervical cancer, protection against genital warts, duration of protection, and cost. We estimate that mean maximum willingness-to-pay (WTP)-an economic measure of the total benefits to consumers-for current HPV vaccine technology ranges between $560 and $660. All vaccine features were statistically significant determinants of WTP and uptake. Mothers were willing to pay $238 more for a vaccine that provides 90% protection for genital warts relative to a vaccine that provides no protection against warts. WTP for lifetime protection vs. 10 years protection was $245. Mothers strongly valued greater cervical cancer efficacy, with 100% protection against cervical cancers the most desired feature overall. Adding a second HPV vaccine choice to U.S. consumers' alternatives is predicted to increase stated uptake by 16%. Several features were significantly associated with stated choices and uptake: age of mother, race/ethnicity, household income, and concern about HPV risks. These findings provide new data on how HPV vaccines are viewed and valued by mothers, and how uptake may change in the context of evolving vaccine technology and as new data are reported on duration and efficacy.

Public health issues related to HPV vaccination

The human papillomavirus (HPV) is clearly established as the cause of cervical cancer, and vaccines targeting oncogenic forms of the virus are important as a primary method of prevention. However, barriers to cervical screening and vaccination such as a lack of knowledge of HPV, access to healthcare, and poor follow-up prevent the acceptance and utilization of HPV vaccines. Strategies for prevention of disease and implementation of vaccination are in development, but the importance of primary prevention of HPV infection needs to be stressed. This review assesses the potential impact of vaccination for cervical cancer, barriers to vaccination, and the methods used to increase coverage. With the advent of prophylactic vaccines, HPV, a common infection in the United States, can be prevented in most women.

Assessing incidence and economic burden of genital warts with data from a US commercially insured population

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the incidence of and healthcare costs attributable to genital warts within a large US commercially insured, geographically dispersed population.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a retrospective cohort study design, this longitudinal analysis assessed administrative claims of integrated medical and pharmacy encounters from five Blue Cross Blue Shield health plans. Genital warts cases were identified using a methodology previously described by Insinga et al.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Age- and gender-specific incidence of genital warts per 1000 person-years in 2004, and duration-of-episode attributable direct medical costs (2004 US dollars) and healthcare resource utilization of cases diagnosed in 2002. Overall outcome measures were age- and gender-adjusted to the 2004 US civilian population.

RESULTS

Genital warts incidence in 2004 was 1.2/1000 females and 1.1/1000 males. Incidence was highest among females aged 20-24 (4.6/1000) and males aged 25-29 (2.7/1000). Projected overall incidence was over 340,000 cases in 2004. Mean duration-of-episode per incident case in 2002 was 95.4 days (males 116.3 days; females 69.7 days). Mean ambulatory visits per episode were 1.5 for females and 1.9 for males, with <1 drug prescription/episode. Mean costs were $647/episode ($745 males; $528 females). The 2004 estimated economic burden was $760 per 1000 individuals in the general population with the total exceeding $220 million.

LIMITATIONS

Only those genital warts cases that sought evaluation or for which the treating provider was covered by the health plan were captured in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Genital warts represent a significant health and cost burden in the US. Adoption of novel healthcare technologies such as vaccines along with traditional interventions such as physician education of signs and symptoms, condom use and abstinence or limiting number of sexual partners may significantly help reduce the burden of genital warts.

Vaccine adherence in adolescents

Although a number of routine and catch-up vaccinations are currently recommended for adolescents, coverage rates of these vaccines are currently suboptimal. Routine recommended immunizations for this cohort include vaccines for influenza, human papillomavirus, and meningococcal disease, as well as a booster for tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. Adolescence is also a critical period for administration of catch-up vaccines for those not fully immunized during childhood. Adolescents who do not seek appropriate preventive healthcare are at risk for significant morbidity and possible mortality. Increasing adolescent adherence to recommended vaccine schedules presents a challenge and opportunity for pediatricians and public health advocates. This article outlines barriers to vaccine compliance among adolescents and discusses strategies to increase vaccine uptake.

Cidofovir: clinical experience and future perspectives on an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate analog of cytosine in the treatment of refractory and premalignant HPV-associated anal lesions

BACKGROUND

Cidofovir, a nucleotide analog with antiviral activity against a broad range of DNA viruses including human papilloma viruses (HPV), is available off label to clinicians.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a better knowledge of pharmacology and effects when topically applied.

METHODS

After reviewing the chemistry, physiology, and animal studies, an overview of clinical studies is provided.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

Cidofovir, as a result of its antiviral and antiproliferative activity and its ability to induce apoptosis, can offer a solution for the treatment of severe recurrent HPV-induced lesions. It can also be used to attempt to treat dysplastic lesions and as an adjuvant treatment. The long-lasting antiviral activity allows infrequent dosing. As a rule, cidofovir applied on the skin is well tolerated, even in long-term treatment. The dose-limiting nephrotoxicity of the drug is not a concern in patients with a glomerular filtration rate within the normal range. Cidofovir has clearly influenced the landscape of refractory and dysplastic anogenital condylomata acuminata and its use has increased over the last decade. However, further controlled clinical trials are needed to assess the role of cidofovir and its derivatives.

Molecular epidemiology of sexually transmitted human papillomavirus in a self referred group of women in Ireland

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer and external genital warts. The purpose of this study is to document the genotype distribution of HPV in females aged between 18 and 34 who self-referred to an STI clinic with visible external genital warts (EGW). Scrapings were taken from visible external genital warts (EGW). These scrapings were analysed by PCR for the presence of HPV DNA. Positive samples were then genotyped by means of a commercially available assay (LiPA). A comparison of genotyping results determined by the LiPA assay and direct amplicon DNA sequencing was also performed.

Results

Ninety-two patients out of 105 samples (88%) had detectable levels of HPV DNA. The majority of individuals with EGW (66%) showed the presence of two or more genotypes. The most common HPV genotypes present in the study population were HPV-6, HPV-11, HPV-16, HPV-18, HPV-33 and HPV-53. Potential effects of vaccination on HPV molecular epidemiology indicate that 40% of the patients could have been protected from the high risk genotypes HPV-16 and HPV-18.

Conclusion

This is the first report of the molecular epidemiology of external genital warts in women aged between 18 and 34 from Ireland based on results from a LiPA assay. The study shows that most individuals are infected with multiple genotypes including those with high oncogenic potential and that the newly available HPV vaccines could have a significant impact on prevalence of the most common HPV genotypes in this study population.

Skin disease: a neglected public health problem

Skin diseases are among the most common health problems in humans. Considering their significant impact on the individual, the family, the social life of patients, and their heavy economical burden, the public health importance of these diseases is underappreciated. This article discusses the importance of dermatologic public health and makes recommendations for better addressing this neglected topic.

Management of adolescents who have abnormal cytology and histology

Adolescents have been shown to have the highest rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The cause is likely a combination of sexual risk behavior and biologic vulnerability. Most HPV and its associated abnormal cytology are transient, with frequent clearance of HPV and the lesion. These findings have resulted in new strategies, including observation, for adolescents who have abnormal cytology. For cytologic atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, adolescents should be followed with cytology at 1-year intervals for up to 2 years before referral for colposcopy is necessary. For biopsy-proved cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1, management is similar, with yearly cytology indefinitely or until high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions or CIN 2,3 develops. CIN 2,3 in compliant adolescents can be managed with 6-month cytology and colposcopy up to 2 years.