Cost-effectiveness of different human papillomavirus vaccines in Singapore

Impact of including boys in the national school-based human papillomavirus vaccination programme in Singapore: A modelling-based cost-effectiveness analysis

Globally, gender-neutral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programmes are gaining traction. Although cervical cancer remains the most prevalent, other HPV-related cancers are increasingly recognised as important, especially among men who have sex with men. We assessed if including adolescent boys in Singapore's school-based HPV vaccination programme is cost-effective from the healthcare perspective. We adapted a World Health Organization-supported model, Papillomavirus Rapid Interface for Modelling and Economics, and modelled the cost and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) associated with vaccinating 13-year-olds with the HPV vaccine. Cancer incidence and mortality rates were obtained from local sources and adjusted based on the expected direct and indirect vaccine protection for various population subgroups at an 80 % vaccine coverage. Moving to a gender-neutral vaccination programme with a bivalent or nonavalent vaccine could avert 30 (95 % uncertainty interval [UI]: 20-44) and 34 (95 % UI: 24-49) HPV-related cancers per birth cohort, respectively. At a 3 % discount rate, a gender-neutral vaccination programme is not cost-effective. However, with a 1.5 % discount rate, which puts more value on long-term health gains from vaccination, moving to a gender-neutral vaccination programme with the bivalent vaccine is likely cost-effective, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SGD$19 007 (95 % UI: 10 164-30 633) per QALY gained. The findings suggest the need to engage experts to examine, in detail, the cost-effectiveness of gender-neutral vaccination programmes in Singapore. Issues of drug licensing, feasibility, gender equity, global vaccine supplies, and the global trend towards disease elimination/eradication should also be considered. This model provides a simplified method for resource-strapped countries to gain a preliminary estimate of the cost-effectiveness of a gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme before investing resources for further research.

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

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to systematically review the cost-effectiveness of HPV vaccination in Asia.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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.

CONCLUSION

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.

Cost-Effectiveness of Bivalent, Quadrivalent, and Nonavalent HPV Vaccination in South Africa

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

In South Africa, the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and associated diseases, such as cervical cancer and genital warts, is among the highest in the world. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent HPV vaccination for 9- to 14-year-old girls from the South African healthcare system perspective.

METHODS

A Markov model portraying the natural HPV disease progression from high-risk infection to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I, CIN II/III, or cervical cancer and from low-risk infection to genital warts was built. Transition probability, utility, and efficacy data were sourced from peer-reviewed literature. Vaccination costs were calculated based on the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The model was populated with a cohort of 520,000 9-year-old girls to calculate incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) in South African Rand (R) per quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained for each vaccination strategy.

RESULTS

All HPV vaccination strategies dominate the no vaccine strategy. Compared with the bivalent vaccine, the nonavalent strategy increases QALYs by 0.14 and costs by R1793 (ICER: R13,013 per QALY) per person, while the quadrivalent vaccination provides -0.02 incremental QALYs and R1748 costs (ICER: -R116,397 per QALY). Consequently, at the South African willingness-to-pay threshold of R23,630 per QALY, nonavalent vaccination is the preferred strategy, with a probability of 90.2%. Scenario analysis demonstrated that results are influenced by vaccine coverage, efficacy, and duration of efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of nonavalent for bivalent HPV vaccination is a cost-effective intervention in South Africa. HPV vaccination should be part of a multifaceted public health strategy entailing screening, condoms, and education of all stakeholders to reduce the significant burden of sexual transmitted diseases in South Africa. Sex-neutral and catch-up vaccinations are subjects for further research.

Cervical cancer prevention in Indonesia: An updated clinical impact, cost-effectiveness and budget impact analysis

Introduction

The clinical and economic impact of cervical cancer consistently become a serious burden for all countries, including Indonesia. The implementation of HPV vaccination policy for a big country such as Indonesia requires a strong commitment from several decision-makers. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description on cost-effectiveness and the budget-impact of HPV vaccination policy in Indonesia.

Method

A cohort Markov model was used to evaluate the cost and the clinical impact of HPV vaccination for 10 years old girls in Indonesia. The researchers consider two doses of all three available HPV vaccines adjusted with the HPV infection profilewith 95% vaccination coverage to estimate the national cervical cancer incidence and mortality. The Budget impact analysis explores three different scenarios covering (1) Two districts per year expansion, (2) oneprovince per year expansion and (3) achieving the National Immunization Program in 2024.

Results

Upon fully vaccinating almost 2.3 million 10-year-old girls, 34,723; 43,414; and 51,522 cervical cancer cases were prevented by Quadrivalent, Bivalent and Nonavalent vaccines, consecutively. Furthermore, the highest (591 cases) and lowest (399 cases) mortality were prevented by Nonavalent and Quadrivalent vaccines, respectively. Most of the vaccines were considerably cost-effective and only the Bivalent vaccine with the GAVI/UNICEF price which will be considered a cost-saving strategy.To provide national coverage of HPV vaccination in Indonesia, the government has to provide an annual budget of about US$49 million and US$22 million using the government contract price and GAVI/UNICEF price, respectively.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination shows a cost-effective strategy and the budget required to provide this policy is considerably affordable for Indonesia.

The Interplay between Framing and Regulatory Focus in Processing Narratives about HPV Vaccination in Singapore

This study examined whether regulatory focus changes the effects of gain- and loss-framed narratives on promoting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young females in Singapore. We conducted a quasi-experiment in which participants reported their regulatory focus and then read either a gain- or loss-framed narrative about HPV vaccination. The results showed an overall advantage of a loss frame over a gain frame in producing transportation and self-referent emotions, which in turn led to increased vaccination intentions. This pattern was more pronounced among those high in prevention or promotion focus, with self-referent emotions being the primary mediator transferring the interactive effects onto vaccination intentions. This study contributes to the extant literature on narrative persuasion by addressing the specific mechanisms of the effect of framing employed in narratives.

Facilitators and barriers of human papillomavirus vaccine uptake in young females 18-26 years old in Singapore: A qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Around 70% of cervical cancers are caused by Types 16 and 18 of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccines against HPV have been shown to be safe and effective in preventing HPV and cervical cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the facilitators and barriers of HPV vaccination in young females aged 18-26 years in Singapore, and to describe their recommended strategies to improve the uptake of HPV vaccination.

DESIGN

Qualitative, descriptive design guided by the socio-ecological model.

PARTICIPANTS

Young women studying in National University of Singapore (NUS), aged 18-26 (N = 40). Purposive sampling was used to recruit participants from various socio-economic levels and faculties, both vaccinated against HPV and unvaccinated.

METHODS

In-depth interviews (IDIs) and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with the participants. IDIs and FGDs were transcribed and coded using NVIVO software. Thematic data analysis was performed using an inductive approach.

RESULTS

Barriers to HPV vaccination included lack of awareness, lack of perceived risk for cervical cancer, cost, lack of parental support, inconvenience of getting the vaccination, stigma associated with connection with sexual activity, and concern regarding safety. Facilitators include parental encouragement, protection of one's health, lack of logistical barriers, and perceived safety and efficacy of the vaccine. Participants recommended increasing awareness of HPV vaccination and cervical cancer, reducing cost of vaccination and making the vaccine compulsory to increase vaccine uptake.

CONCLUSION

Barriers and facilitators exist at different levels to influence vaccine uptake. Public education on cervical cancer and the vaccine should be stepped up to increase public awareness. A school-based national vaccination programme was proposed by the target group to increase the rate of uptake of HPV vaccination in Singapore.

Clinical and economic impact of school-based nonavalent human papillomavirus vaccine on women in Singapore: a transmission dynamic mathematical model analysis

OBJECTIVE

To examine the epidemiological and economic impact of a nine-valent (nonavalent) human papillomavirus (HPV) 6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58 vaccine programme for young teenagers in Singapore.

DESIGN

Mathematical modelling.

SETTING

Pharmaco-economic simulation projection.

POPULATION

Singapore demography.

METHODS

Clinical, epidemiological and financial data from Singapore were used in a validated HPV transmission dynamic mathematical model to analyse the impact of nonavalent HPV vaccination over quadrivalent and bivalent vaccines in a school-based 2-dose vaccination for 11- to 12-year-old girls in the country. The model assumed routine cytology screening in the current rate (50%) and vaccine coverage rate of 80%.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Changes over a 100-year time period in the incidence and mortality rates of cervical cancer, case load of genital warts, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).

RESULTS

Compared with bivalent and quadrivalent HPV vaccination programmes, nonavalent HPV universal vaccination resulted in an additional reduction of HPV31/33/45/52/58 related CIN1 of 40.5%, CIN 2/3 of 35.4%, cervical cancer of 23.5%, and cervical cancer mortality of 20.2%. Compared with bivalent HPV vaccination, there was an additional reduction in HPV-6/11 related CIN1 of 75.7%, and genital warts of 78.9% in women and 73.4% in men. Over the 100 years, after applying a discount of 3%, disease management cost will be reduced by 32.5% (versus bivalent) and 7.5% (versus quadrivalent). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) per quality-adjusted life-year gained was SGD 929 compared with bivalent vaccination and SGD 9864 compared with quadrivalent vaccination.

CONCLUSION

Universal two-dose nonavalent HPV vaccination for 11- to 12-year-old adolescent women is very cost-effective in Singapore.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Nonavalent HPV vaccination of 11- to 12-year-old girls is cost-effective in Singapore.

Factors affecting Pap smear uptake in a maternity hospital: A descriptive cross-sectional study

AIM

To understand factors that influence women's decisions to go for Pap smears.

BACKGROUND

Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women. In Singapore, cervical cancer is on the rise and has been found to be the eighth highest cause of death among women. Research has shown that regular screening for cervical cancer with Pap smear reduces cervical cancer-related mortality. However, Pap smear awareness is still limited and its uptake in Singapore is highly opportunistic, requiring the need for a deeper understanding of the factors that influence Pap smear uptake among women in Singapore.

DESIGN

A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used.

METHODS

Convenience sampling was used to recruit 350 participants (postnatal women of at least 21 years old) from a local maternity hospital. Data were collected using validated questionnaires. Logistic regression was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity and religion, as well as women's beliefs about the effectiveness of Pap smear in detecting cervical cancer, the desire to discover health problems early and considering Pap smear to be painful, were found to be factors significantly influencing Pap smear uptake. Healthcare professionals need to be mindful of these factors to address women's needs to encourage women to go for Pap smears.

CONCLUSION

Various factors were found to influence Pap smear uptake. Future interventions can take these factors into account for increasing Pap smear awareness.

Comparative Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Two Different Two-Dose Human Papillomavirus Vaccines in Malaysia

Purpose:

To comparatively evaluate the results of a 2-dose human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme with the AS04-adjuvanted HPV16/18 vaccine (AS04-HPV-16/18v) or HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (4vHPVv), in addition to cervical cancer (CC) screening, in Malaysia.

Methods:

A lifetime Markov model replicating the natural history of HPV in 13-year-old girls was adapted to Malaysia to assess the impact of vaccination on pre-cancerous lesions, genital warts and CC cases, CC deaths, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs from the perspective of the Malaysian Ministry of Health. Vaccine effectiveness was based on efficacy and HPV type distribution. Both vaccines were assumed to have equal efficacy against vaccine-type HPV but differed for protection against non-vaccine types. Vaccine price parity was used and health and cost outcomes were discounted at 3%/annum. Sensitivity analyses tested the robustness of the results.

Results:

The model predicted that AS04-HPV-16/18v would result in 361 fewer CC cases and 115 fewer CC deaths than 4vHPVv, whereas 4vHPVv averted 4,241 cases of genital warts over the cohort’s lifetime. Discounted total costs showed savings of 18.50 million Malaysian Ringgits and 246 QALYs in favour of AS04-HPV-16/18v. In one-way sensitivity analyses, the discount rate was the most influential variable for costs and QALYs, but AS04-HPV-16/18v remained dominant throughout. A two-way sensitivity analysis to assess the longevity of cross-protection for both vaccines confirmed the base-case.

Conclusions:

In Malaysia, the use of AS04-HPV-16/18v, in addition to screening, was modelled to be dominant over 4vHPVv, with greater estimated CC benefits and lower costs.

Cost-effectiveness of two-dose human papillomavirus vaccination in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

Cervical cancer is the tenth most common cancer and the eighth most frequent cause of death among women in Singapore. As human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the necessary cause of cervical cancer, the risk of cervical cancer can be substantially reduced through vaccination. This study was conducted to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of two-dose HPV vaccination as part of a national vaccination programme for 12-year-old girls in Singapore, from the perspective of the healthcare payer.

METHODS

A lifetime Markov cohort model was used to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of introducing the AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 vaccine (AS04-HPV-16/18v) to the current cervical screening programme in Singapore. Furthermore, the cost-effectiveness of the AS04-HPV-16/18v was compared with the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (4vHPV). Model inputs were derived from local data, where possible, and validated by clinical experts in Singapore.

RESULTS

Introduction of the AS04-HPV-16/18v in Singapore was shown to prevent 137 cervical cancer cases and 48 cervical cancer deaths when compared with screening alone. This resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of SGD 12,645 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, which is cost-effective according to the World Health Organization threshold for Singapore. When discounted at 3%, AS04-HPV-16/18v was dominant over 4vHPV, with cost savings of SGD 80,559 and 28 additional QALYs gained. In the one-way sensitivity analysis, AS04-HPV-16/18v remained cost-effective compared with screening alone and dominant compared with 4vHPV.

CONCLUSION

AS04-HPV-16/18v is the most cost-effective choice for reducing the burden of cervical cancer through universal mass vaccination for 12-year-old girls in Singapore.

The health-economic studies of HPV vaccination in Southeast Asian countries: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

The cervical cancer-related burden is an important problem in Southeast Asian (SEA) countries. However, only 3 out of 11 countries implement the comprehensive prevention program. Areas covered: This is a retrospective review from all relevant studies until 2015 from two main databases, MEDLINE/Pubmed and Embase in order to provide an evidence on the health economics of HPV vaccination in the region. Expert commentary: The implementation of HPV vaccination will generate substantial health and economic benefit in SEA countries since the number of cervical cancer cases in this region are generally high. Therefore, a clear recommendation on how HPV vaccination should be implemented in a country, for example on how many doses will be used, how much cost is required or is it a school based- or clinical based-delivery, is critically required.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of different types of human papillomavirus vaccination combined with a cervical cancer screening program in mainland China

BACKGROUND

China has a high prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV) and a consequently high burden of disease with respect to cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has proved to be effective in preventing cervical cancer and is now a part of routine immunization programs worldwide. It has also proved to be cost effective. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of 2-, 4-, and 9-valent HPV vaccines (hereafter, HPV2, 4 or 9) combined with current screening strategies in China.

METHODS

A Markov model was developed for a cohort of 100,000 HPV-free girls to simulate the natural history to HPV infection. Three recommended screening methods (1. liquid-based cytology test + HPV DNA test; 2. pap smear cytology test + HPV DNA test; 3. visual inspection with acetic acid) and three types of HPV vaccination program (HPV2/4/9) were incorporated into 15 intervention options, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated to determine the dominant strategies. Costs, transition probabilities and utilities were obtained from a review of the literature and national databases. One-way sensitivity analyses and threshold analyses were performed for key variables in different vaccination scenarios.

RESULTS

HPV9 combined with screening showed the highest health impact in terms of reducing HPV-related diseases and increasing the number of quality-adjusted life years (QALYs). Under the current thresholds of willingness to pay (WTP, 3 times the per capita GDP or USD$ 23,880), HPV4/9 proved highly cost effective, while HPV2 combined with screening cost more and was less cost effective. Only when screening coverage increased to 60% ~ 70% did the HPV2 and screening combination strategy become economically feasible.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of the HPV4/9 vaccine with current screening strategies for adolescent girls was highly cost-effective and had a significant impact on reducing the HPV infection-related disease burden in Mainland China.

Detection Rate of High-Grade Cervical Neoplasia and Cost-Effectiveness of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotyping with Reflex Liquid-based Cytology in Cervical Cancer Screening

Introduction: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or worse (≥CIN3) and cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping with reflex liquid-based cytology (LBC) for cervical cancer screening in Singapore. Materials and Methods: Women who were ≥25 years old and undertook co-testing with LBC and HPV-genotyping (Cobas-4800, Roche, USA) for HPV-16, HPV-18 and 12 high-risk HPV types in a single institution were studied retrospectively. A single cervical smear in ThinPrep® PreservCyt® solution (Hologic, USA) was separated for tests in independent cytology and molecular pathology laboratories. The results were reviewed by a designated gynaecologist according to institutional clinical management protocols. Those who tested positive for HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 (regardless of cytology results), cytology showing low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) or high-grade SIL (HSIL), or atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) with positive 12 high-risk HPV types were referred for colposcopy. Colposcopy was performed by experienced colposcopists. Cervical biopsy, either directed punch biopsies or excisional biopsy, was determined by a colposcopist. The diagnosis of ≥CIN3 was reviewed by a gynaecologic pathologist. Cost-effectiveness of HPV-based screening in terms of disease and financial burden was analysed using epidemiological, clinical and financial input data from Singapore. Results: Of 1866 women studied, 167 (8.9%) had abnormal cytology (≥ASCUS) and 171 (9.2%) tested positive for high-risk HPV. Twenty-three CIN were detected. Three of the 10 ≥CIN3 cases had negative cytology but positive HPV-16. Compared to cytology, HPV genotyping detected more ≥CIN3 (OR: 1.43). HPV+16/18 genotyping with reflex LBC was superior in terms of cost-effectiveness to LBC with reflex HPV, both for disease detection rate and cost per case of ≥CIN2 detected. Conclusion: Compared to cytology, HPV+16/18 genotyping with reflex LBC detected more ≥CIN3 and was cost-effective for cervical screening in Singapore. Key words: Co-Testing, Incidence trend, Mortality, Intraepithelial neoplasia, Pap smear

Perspectives of young Chinese Singaporean women on seeking and processing information to decide about vaccinating against human papillomavirus

Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination uptake in Singapore is low among young women. Low uptake has been found to be linked to low awareness. Thus, this study aimed to understand active and passive vaccine information-seeking behavior. Furthermore, guided by the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM), this study examined young women's (aged 21-26 years) processing of information they acquired in their decision to get vaccinated. ELM postulates that information processing could be through the central (i.e., logic-based) or peripheral (i.e., heuristic-based) route. Twenty-six in-depth interviews were conducted from January to March 2016. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Two meta-themes-information acquisition and vaccination decision-revealed the heuristic-based information processing was employed. These young women acquired information passively within their social network and actively in healthcare settings. However, they used heuristic cues, such as closeness and trust, to process the information. Similarly, vaccination decisions revealed that women relied on heuristic cues, such as sense of belonging and validation among peers and source credibility and likability in medical settings, in their decision to get vaccinated. The findings of this study highlight that intervention efforts should focus on strengthening social support among personal networks to increase the uptake of the vaccine.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding human papillomavirus vaccination among young women attending a tertiary institution in Singapore

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices of young women regarding human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study among female students at a tertiary institute in Singapore.

RESULTS

A total of 255 questionnaires were completed and formed the basis of the analysis. 244 (95.7%) of the total participants were of the age group 15-22 years. 252 (98.8%) participants were unmarried and 240 (94.1%) had never had sexual intercourse. Only 25 (9.8%) women had received vaccination. Among the unvaccinated participants, 96 (41.7%) had no intention to receive HPV vaccination and 62 of them cited lack of information as a major barrier to HPV vaccination. Knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was also assessed and graded via a point system, with a maximum score of 14. Knowledge was found to be low, with a median score of 7. There was a significant association between HPV vaccination uptake and the source from which they first heard about the vaccine (p = 0.007). Vaccinated respondents tended to first hear about it from their relatives and friends, as compared to unvaccinated respondents (60.0% vs. 27.0%).

CONCLUSION

There is poor uptake of HPV vaccination amongst Singapore's susceptible youth as well as poor knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccination. Public health education regarding cervical cancer and HPV vaccination is still needed and has to be targeted at not only respondents, but also their family and friends.

The clinical and economic benefits of school-based quadrivalent HPV vaccination in Singapore

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the clinical and economic impacts of school-based administration of the quadrivalent HPV vaccine.

METHODS

A retrospective health-economic analysis was conducted using data collected in Singapore between 2004 and 2005. A dynamic transmission model was adapted for universal vaccination that provided 80% coverage among students aged 11-12 years. Strategy 1 involved only girls, with a 5-year catch-up vaccination to provide 50% coverage among those aged 13-17 years. Strategy 2 included both girls and boys with no catch-up vaccination. Outcomes included the predicted incidence of HPV-related disease over 100 years.

RESULTS

Current coverage was assumed to be 5%. Strategy 1 would reduce cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 (CIN1) by 63.8%, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2-3 (CIN2-3) by 62.9%, cervical cancer by 50.9%, and genital warts by 78.0% (female individuals) and 73.6% (male individuals). Strategy 2 would reduce CIN1 by 64.0%, CIN2-3 by 63.1%, cervical cancer by 50.7%, and genital warts by 79.9% (female individuals) and 80.1% (male individuals). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was S$12 464 for strategy 1 and $27 837 for Strategy 2. These values decreased to $7477 and $22 574, respectively, if a two-dose regimen was adapted.

CONCLUSION

School-based quadrivalent HPV vaccination offered clinical and economic benefits, and is cost-effective in Singapore.

Assessment of the Broader Economic Consequences of HPV Prevention from a Government-Perspective: A Fiscal Analytic Approach

Background

Cervical cancer poses a substantial burden in terms of morbidity, mortality, and economic losses, especially in low/middle-income countries. HPV vaccination and/or cervical cancer screening among females may reduce the burden of HPV-related diseases, including cervical cancer. However, limited funds may impede the implementation of population-based programmes. Governmental investments in the prevention of infectious disease may have broader economic and fiscal benefits, which are not accounted in conventional economic analyses. This study estimates the broader economic and fiscal impacts of implementing HPV vaccination and/or cervical cancer screening in Indonesia from the perspective of the government.

Methods

A government-perspective quantitative analytic framework was applied to assess the Net Present Value (NPV) of investment on cervical cancer prevention strategies including HPV vaccination, cervical screening and its combination in Indonesia. All monetary values were presented in International Dollars (I$).

Results

Based on a cohort of 10,000,000 Indonesian 12-year-old females, it was estimated that HPV vaccination and/or cervical cancer screening result in a positive NPV for the Indonesian government. The combination of cervical screening and HPV vaccination generated a substantial reduction of cervical cancer incidence and HPV-related mortality of 87,862 and 19,359, respectively. It was estimated that HPV vaccination in combination with cervical screening is the most favorable option for cervical cancer prevention (NPV I$2.031.786.000), followed by HPV vaccination alone (NPV I$1.860.783.000) and cervical screening alone (NPV I$375.244.000).

Conclusion

In addition to clinical benefits, investing in HPV vaccination and cervical screening may yield considerable fiscal benefits for the Indonesian governments due to lifelong benefits resulting from reduction of cervical cancer-related morbidity and mortality.

A cohort survey of the effect of an educational intervention on human papillomavirus vaccine-related knowledge and attitudes among pre-university female students in Singapore

Introduction:

Although cervical cancer is the 10th most common cancer among females in Singapore, it is a vaccine-preventable cancer. Human papillomavirus vaccines combined with regular Pap (papillomavirus) smears have been shown to reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with cervical cancer. We assessed the knowledge and attitudes towards cervical cancer, human papillomavirus and its vaccination amongst pre-university female students and assessed if a short educational presentation can improve this knowledge and acceptability of the vaccine.

Methods:

A cohort survey was carried out amongst 150 female students at Hwa Chong Junior College via questionnaires administered anonymously. Standardized educational presentations were carried out followed by post intervention questionnaires.

Results:

Almost all the students were aged between 15 and 19 years old (99.3%). At baseline, only 29% and 27% of the students had ever heard of human papillomavirus and its vaccines respectively. The most common source of information cited was from a family member or a friend (22.5%). Only 4% had been administered the human papillomavirus vaccine. Mean knowledge scores significantly improved from 4.95 to 8.61 out of 10 after the intervention. Of those who did not have the vaccine, only 31.3% were willing to consider the human papillomavirus vaccine pre-intervention, with a statistically significant improvement to 51.4% post intervention.

Conclusion:

Low awareness about human papillomavirus, its relationship to cervical cancer and its prevention is common, even amongst well-educated students. Most of them obtained the information from family and/or friends. A short educational presentation was able to improve the knowledge scores, and improve the acceptability of the human papillomavirus vaccine.

Vaccine Misconceptions and Low HPV Vaccination Take-up Rates in Singapore

BACKGROUND

HPV vaccination in Singapore is voluntary and physician prescription-based. This study investigated the current status and intention for HPV vaccination among Singapore nurses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All female nurses in a general hospital were given an anonymous questionnaire on HPV vaccination experience and intention of vaccinating their daughters. The influence of age, knowledge and perceived-risk of cervical cancer, and cultural background on mother's intention of vaccinating their daughters was analyzed.

RESULTS

Of 2,000 nurses, 1,622 (81.1%) responded and analysis was performed on 1,611 with valid data. They showed good awareness on association of cervical cancer with multiple sexual partners (81.9%), history of sexually transmissible diseases (78.2%), and history of genital warts/HPV infection (73.5%), and on cervical cancer preventive effects of HPV vaccination (54.6%). The prevailing misconceptions of the vaccines were: investigational nature (38.9%), side effects (27.9%) and indicated for women at high risk for cervical cancer (20.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Misconceptions on the nature, role and safety of HPV vaccines low vaccine up-take rates and daughters. Dissemination of adequate and accurate HPV vaccine information and a review for school-based vaccination are needed for optimal delivery of HPV vaccines in Singapore.

Cost-Utility Analysis of Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Cervical Screening on Cervical Cancer Patient in Indonesia

BACKGROUND

Although cervical cancer is a preventable disease, the clinical and economic burdens of cervical cancer are still substantial issues in Indonesia.

OBJECTIVES

The main purpose of this study was to model the costs, clinical benefits, and cost-utility of both visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) screening alone and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in addition to VIA screening in Indonesia.

METHODS

We developed a population-based Markov model, consisting of three health states (susceptible, cervical cancer, and death), to assess future costs, health effects, and the cost-utility of cervical cancer prevention strategies in Indonesia. We followed a cohort of 100,000 females 12 to 100 years old and compared VIA screening alone with the addition of HPV vaccination on top of the screening to "no intervention."

RESULTS

The implementation of VIA screening alone and in combination with HPV vaccination would reduce the cervical cancer incidence by 7.9% and 58.5%, corresponding to 25 and 98 deaths avoided within the cohort of 100,000, respectively. We also estimated that HPV vaccination combined with VIA screening apparently yielded a lower incremental cost-effectiveness ratio at international dollar 1863/quality-adjusted life-year (QALY), compared with VIA screening alone (I$3126/QALY). Both strategies could however be definitely labeled as very cost-effective interventions, based on a threshold suggested by the World Health Organization. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was sensitive to the discount rate, cervical cancer treatment costs, and quality of life as part of the QALY.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of HPV vaccination on top of VIA screening could be a cost-effective strategy in Indonesia even if relatively conservative assumptions are applied. This population-based model can be considered as an essential tool to inform decision makers on designing optimal strategies for cervical cancer prevention in Indonesia.

Applying a Simple Model of Cost Effectiveness Study of HPV Vaccine for Iran

HPV vaccine has been recently added to the Iran Drug List, so decision makers need information beyond that available from RCTs to recommend funding for this vaccination. Modeling and economic studies have addressed some of those information needs. We reviewed cost effectiveness studies to find a suitable model for Iranian population to determine the potential cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine program based on domestic available epidemiologic data. Articles were obtained from an extensive literature search to determine the cost effectiveness of implementing an HPV vaccination program with routine cervical cancer screening. A total of 64 studies were included in this review. Although the studies used different model structures, baseline parameters and assumptions (either a Markov, Hybrid, or Dynamic model). Most of the proposed cost effectiveness models need to model the probability of HPV acquisition, the possible progression from HPV infection to CIN I, CIN II, CIN III and cervical cancer, the probability of HPV transmission which are not available in Iranian epidemiologic data. Based on the available epidemiologic data in Iran, the simplified and it requires substantially fewer assumptions than the other more complex Markov and hybrid models, therefore we decided to use this model for the evaluation of cost effectiveness of HPV vaccine in Iran.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the bivalent and quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccines from a societal perspective in Colombia

Objective

To compare costs and effectiveness of three strategies used against cervical cancer (CC) and genital warts: (i) Screening for CC; (ii) Bivalent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 16/18 vaccine added to screening; (iii) Quadrivalent HPV 6/11/16/18 vaccine added to screening.

Methods

A Markov model was designed in order to simulate the natural history of the disease from 12 years of age (vaccination) until death. Transition probabilities were selected or adjusted to match the HPV infection profile in Colombia. A systematic review was undertaken in order to derive efficacy values for the two vaccines as well as for the operational characteristics of the cytology test. The societal perspective was used. Effectiveness was measured in number of averted Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYS).

Results

At commercial prices reported for 2010 the two vaccines were shown to be non-cost-effective alternatives when compared with the existing screening strategy. Sensitivity analyses showed that results are affected by the cost of vaccines and their efficacy values, making it difficult to determine with certainty which of the two vaccines has the best cost-effectiveness profile. To be ‘cost-effective’ vaccines should cost between 141 and 147 USD (Unite States Dollars) per vaccinated girl at the most. But at lower prices such as those recommended by WHO or the price of other vaccines in Colombia, HPV vaccination could be considered very cost-effective.

Conclusions

HPV vaccination could be a convenient alternative for the prevention of CC in Colombia. However, the price of the vaccine should be lower for this vaccination strategy to be cost-effective. It is also important to take into consideration the willingness to pay, budgetary impact, and program implications, in order to determine the relevance of a vaccination program in this country, as well as which vaccine should be selected for use in the program.

Comparative cost-effectiveness of the quadrivalent and bivalent human papillomavirus vaccines: a transmission-dynamic modeling study

BACKGROUND

The quadrivalent and bivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are now licensed in several countries. We compared the cost-effectiveness of the HPV vaccines to provide evidence for policy decisions.

METHODS

We developed HPV-ADVISE, a multi-type individual-based transmission-dynamic model of HPV infection and disease (anogenital warts, and cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers). We calibrated the model to sexual behavior and epidemiologic data from Canada, and estimated quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) lost and costs ($CAN 2010) from the literature. Vaccine-type efficacy was based on a systematic literature review. The analysis was performed from the healthcare provider perspective, and costs and benefits were discounted at 3%. Predictions are presented using the median [10th;90th percentiles] of simulations.

RESULTS

Under base-case assumptions (vaccinating 10-year-old girls, 80% coverage, $95/dose), using the quadrivalent and bivalent vaccines is estimated to cost $15,528 [12,056;19,140] and $20,182 [15,531;25,240] per QALY-gained, respectively. At equal price, the quadrivalent vaccine is more cost-effective than bivalent under all scenarios investigated, except when assuming longer duration of protection for the bivalent and minimal anogenital warts burden. Under base-case assumptions, the maximum additional cost per dose for the quadrivalent vaccine to remain more cost-effective than the bivalent is $32 [17;46] (using a $40,000/QALY-gained threshold). Results were most sensitive to discounting, time-horizon, differences in durations of protection and anogenital warts burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccinating pre-adolescent girls against HPV is predicted to be highly cost-effective. If equally priced, the quadrivalent is the most economically desirable vaccine. However, ultimately, the most cost-effective HPV vaccine will be determined by their relative price.

Modeling preventative strategies against human papillomavirus-related disease in developed countries

Over the last 5 years, prophylactic vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in pre-adolescent females has been introduced in most developed countries, supported by modeled evaluations that have almost universally found vaccination of pre-adolescent females to be cost-effective. Studies to date suggest that vaccination of pre-adolescent males may also be cost-effective at a cost per vaccinated individual of ~US$400-500 if vaccination coverage in females cannot be increased above ~50%; but if it is possible, increasing coverage in females appears to be a better return on investment. Comparative evaluation of the quadrivalent (HPV16,18,6,11) and bivalent (HPV16,18) vaccines centers around the potential trade-off between protection against anogenital warts and vaccine-specific levels of cross-protection against infections not targeted by the vaccines. Future evaluations will also need to consider the cost-effectiveness of a next generation nonavalent vaccine designed to protect against ~90% of cervical cancers. The timing of the effect of vaccination on cervical screening programs will be country-specific and will depend on vaccination catch-up age range and coverage and the age at which screening starts. Initial evaluations suggest that if screening remains unchanged, it will be less cost-effective in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated women but, in the context of current vaccines, will remain an important prevention method. Comprehensive evaluation of new approaches to screening will need to consider the population-level effects of vaccination over time. New screening strategies of particular interest include delaying the start age of screening, increasing the screening interval and switching to primary HPV screening. Future evaluations of screening will also need to focus on the effects of disparities in screening and vaccination uptake, the potential effects of vaccination on screening participation, and the effects of imperfect compliance with screening recommendations. This article forms part of a special supplement entitled "Comprehensive Control of HPV Infections and Related Diseases" Vaccine Volume 30, Supplement 5, 2012.

Population-level impact of the bivalent, quadrivalent, and nonavalent human papillomavirus vaccines: a model-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Bivalent and quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines are now licensed in several countries. Furthermore, clinical trials examining the efficacy of a nonavalent vaccine are underway. We aimed to compare the potential population-level effectiveness of the bivalent, quadrivalent, and candidate nonavalent HPV vaccines.

METHODS

We developed an individual-based, transmission-dynamic model of HPV infection and disease in a population stratified by age, gender, sexual activity, and screening behavior. The model was calibrated to highly stratified sexual behavior, HPV epidemiology, and cervical screening data from Canada.

RESULTS

Under base case assumptions, vaccinating 12-year-old girls (70% coverage) with the bivalent (quadrivalent) vaccine is predicted to reduce the cumulative incidence of anogenital warts (AGWs) by 0.0% (72.1%), diagnosed cervical intraepithelial neoplasia lesions 2 and 3 (CIN2 and -3) by 51.0% (46.1%), and cervical squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 31.9% (30.5%), over 70 years. Changing from a bivalent (quadrivalent) to a nonavalent vaccine is predicted to reduce the cumulative number of AGW episodes by an additional 66.7% (0.0%), CIN2 and -3 episodes by an additional 9.3% (12.5%), and SCC cases by an additional 4.8% (6.6%) over 70 years. Differences in predicted population-level effectiveness between the vaccines were most sensitive to duration of protection and the time horizon of analysis. The vaccines produced similar effectiveness at preventing noncervical HPV-related cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The bivalent vaccine is expected to be slightly more effective at preventing CIN2 and -3 and SCC in the longer term, whereas the quadrivalent vaccine is expected to substantially reduce AGW cases shortly after the start of vaccination programs. Switching to a nonavalent vaccine has the potential to further reduce precancerous lesions and cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer in the human papillomavirus vaccination era

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To evaluate the potential changes in the epidemiology of cervical cancer based on recently emerged information from mass vaccination programs beyond clinical trials.

RECENT FINDINGS

Limited sensitivity and unequal access to screening have resulted in an imbalance in distribution of the burden of cervical cancer between developed and developing countries, between metropolitan and rural areas in developed countries, and among women from different ethnic groups. In screened populations, there is a relative increase in incidence of cervical cancer in young and elderly women, and an increased proportion of adenocarcinoma. A high coverage of the target population has been achieved in human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programs in many countries. After 3 years of mass vaccination of adolescent girls, surveillance data in Australia confirmed a significant reduction in high-grade abnormalities for girls aged 18 years and below.

SUMMARY

HPV vaccination is more feasible than cytology screening for universal implementation across geographic sectors and demographic groups within individual countries and over the world. The high vaccine efficacy should significantly reduce the total burden and unequal distribution of invasive cervical cancer, including adenocarcinoma hitherto observed. These epidemiological changes provoke consideration for appropriate modifications of the current screening program.