CardiovascularSociety Of Gynecologic Oncologists Issues White Paper On HPV Vaccine's Impact On Cervical Cancer Prevention
The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) has published the first in a series of four papers on a variety of cervical cancer issues and topics that were the focus of its Forum "The Future Strategies for Cervical Cancer Prevention: What Do We Need to Do Now to Prepare," held last September in Chicago, Illinois. The paper, entitled "The Impact of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination on Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts," is featured in the August, 2009 issue of Gynecologic Oncology. It includes data relevant to HPV natural history as well as excerpts from Forum discussions regarding the limits of current screening, the impact that eliminating HPV 16/18 through vaccination may have on rates of cervical precancer and cervical cancer screening, strategies to measure vaccine uptake and obstacles surrounding separate screening for vaccinated women.
In particular, the manuscript addresses the obstacles to cervical cancer screening and prevention arising from vaccination against HPV types 16 and 18. It suggests potential new directions for screening now that HPV vaccination has been adopted. Dr. Stewart Massad, the paper"s lead author and a member of the SGO Forum"s Organizational Committee, concludes that until population-based data on the performance of cytology, HPV testing and alternate screening or triage interventions become available, modification of current screening guidelines would be premature.
"The section of the Forum that this paper addresses focused on identifying current problems that restrict the utility of screening with an HPV test rather than a Pap test," explains Dr. Massad. "The research shared and discussed during this section of the Forum indicates that if administered prior to first exposure, the vaccine can prevent up to 70 percent of cervical cancers. But many women are being vaccinated after exposure and modifying screening places them at increased risk for cancer. The information shared in this session and captured in this manuscript is an excellent re, both as a snapshot of the current knowledge surrounding the impact and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, and as a touchstone for areas where further research and investigation are needed to identify modifications in screening guidelines and intervention techniques."
"The Future Strategies of Cervical Cancer Prevention: What Do We Need to Do Now to Prepare," Forum focused on cervical cancer in the HPV vaccine era and was attended by more than 50 thought-leaders and cervical cancer experts from clinical, medical, epidemiology, regulatory and public health backgrounds. Sessions throughout the day and a half meeting explored issues and concerns of public policy, clinical and cost effective issues surrounding the future of cervical cancer prevention as the HPV vaccination is more widely implemented across the country.
In addition to "The Impact of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination on Cervical Cancer Prevention Efforts," manuscript, subsequent papers are being developed for publication on additional topics discussed at the Forum including:
-- Current and future state of HPV typing of the vaccinated population
-- Barriers of HPV vaccination in high risk populations
-- Policies influencing HPV vaccination and screening
"The information garnered from this meeting and shared through this series of white papers will serve as an invaluable tool to our colleagues who, like us, share our vision of eradicating women"s cancers," explains David Mutch, M.D., SGO President. "As a premier of education in gynecologic oncology, our Society is committed to providing the most current data and late-breaking research studies for the good of our subspecialty, our peers, and most importantly, our patients."
ABOUT SGO
The SGO is a national medical specialty organization of physicians who are trained in the comprehensive management of women with malignancies of the reproductive tract. Its purpose is to improve the care of women with gynecologic cancer by encouraging research, disseminating knowledge which will raise the standards of practice in the prevention and treatment of gynecologic malignancies, and cooperating with other organizations interested in women"s health care, oncology and related fields. The Society"s membership, totaling more than 1230, is primarily comprised of gynecologic oncologists, as well as other related medical specialists including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and pathologists. SGO members provide multidisciplinary cancer treatment including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and supportive care.
Society of Gynecologic Oncologists