Dr Laquis: HPV tests before cervical cancer vaccine

On June 8, the Food and Drug Administration approved Gardasil®, the first vaccine to prevent cervical cancer and vulvar and vaginal precancers caused by HPV types 16 and 18 and to prevent low-grade and pre-cancerous lesions and genital warts caused by HPV types 6, 11, 16 and 18. In the United States, approximately 10,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every year, and an average of ten women die each day from the disease. Gardasil is a product of Merck Sharp and Dohme (MSD). An US government advisory committee on Thursday recommended routine vaccination of 11 and 12-year-old girls against HPV. In an interview, Dr Laquis said, “the sub-type that causes cervical cancer in developed countries are they the same as in the Caribbean?”

He said a study done in Jamaica which found that the HPV type most prevalent in that country was types 45 and 48.

He said the vaccine is not cheap (cost ranges between US$300-$400) per course and a three-course treatment would be necessary.

He said if mass immunisation had to be done in TT it will have to be cost effective. He said a decision would have to be made on if immunisation will target high risk females or all young girls.

Laquis said HPV, the virus which causes cervical cancer was seen in women who were sexually active and is spread by skin to skin contact. He disclosed that the society through its mobile clinic offering screening for breast and cervical cancer will be trying to determine the HPV type prevalent in TT. Laquis said phase one will involve a few hundred people. Laquis said, “it is critical to do that. We can spend millions on a vaccine that can do nothing for us.”

The study is being done in conjunction with the Pan American Health Organisation, Caribbean Epidemiology Centre and University of the West Indies.