Human Papilloma Virus is widespread throughout the world and Ireland. Some variants of it can cause squamous cancers of the tonsil, anus and cervix. Cervical cancer screening is reducing the amount of advanced cancers, and vaccination against HPV will lower the risk to school-age children, but there has been a rapid increase in cancers of the tonsil and anus, making it a significant health problem.
Most HPV-cancers are treated with radiotherapy, often in combination with chemotherapy. Although the rates of cure can be quite high (up to 85%), the treatments cause considerable adverse effects on patients’ quality of life, both in the short and long-term. This also has significant effects on radiotherapy resources, as the treatment protocols are complex to plan, and usually take several weeks to deliver, while supporting patients intensively through their side effects.
This HRB-funded study examines the burden of HPV-associated cancers on the patients and resources of radiation oncology in a regional setting. Reducing the burden of HPV-cancers through a successful vaccination programme is estimated and discussed. This study will (i) provide further understanding of the direct and indirect effects of HPV infection on health and healthcare (ii) enhance the rationale for HPV vaccination through reducing the burden of HPV-cancer on people and scarce healthcare resources.
