Key points from the webinar include:
Persistent HPV infection:
- The transition from persistent HPV infection to invasive carcinoma can take several years.
- There are over 130 HPV subtypes, with 15 classified as oncogenic. HPV-16 and HPV-18 are the most common, accounting for >70% of invasive CxCa cases.
Cervarix targets HPV types 16 and 18:
- Cervarix is a bivalent vaccine containing viral-like particles (VLPs) of HPV 16 and 18.
- It provides protection against pre-cancerous cervical lesions associated with non-vaccine oncogenic HPV types like HPV-31 and HPV-45.
Importance of sustained protection:
- Cervarix contains an adjuvant system with aluminium hydroxide and monophosphoryl lipid A (a toll-like receptor 4 agonist). Adjuvanted formulations show a high and sustained immune response over time, while non-adjuvanted ones elicit a weaker and quickly waning response. Immunostimulants further boost the overall efficacy.
- Clinical studies, including Efficacy Study of HPV-16/18 Vaccine (GSK 580299) to Prevent HPV-16 and/or -18 Cervical Infection in Young Healthy Women (HPV-001), demonstrate strong and sustained immune responses in young girls over ten years.
- Mathematical models project that adjuvanted Cervarix can offer sustained protection for >50 years.
- Follow-up studies, such as the Follow-up Study of GSK Biologicals' Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccine to Prevent Cervical Infection in Young Adults (HPV 007) and the Follow-up Study to Evaluate the Long-term Efficacy of the HPV Vaccine (580299) in Healthy Young Adult Women in Brazil (HPV 023), affirm Cervarix’ s sustained protection >10 years and indicate potential protection for >50 years.
- Cervarix consistently demonstrates efficacy against various stages, including persistent infection and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Real-world evidence:
- Evidence from the United Kingdom, Scotland, and South Africa highlights substantial reductions in CxCa and high-grade lesions, emphasising the vaccine's impact and potential economic benefits.
- Safety analyses in males show a comparable safety profile to the hepatitis B vaccine, with continuous monitoring for emerging risks.
Conclusion
Cervarix, through its carefully formulated adjuvanted system, has demonstrated efficacy in providing sustained protection against HPV-related diseases, particularly CxCa. Real-world evidence supports its positive impact on reducing disease burden and healthcare resource utilisation.
To watch a replay of the video, click here: https://vimeo.com/event/4077869
