Synopsis:

In this Grand Round Yasmin will discuss the evolution of our understanding of HPV and cervical cancers through the lens of a paediatric and adolescent gynaecologist. With the planned transition to later onset of cervical screening at 25 years with HPV DNA testing, she launched The Early-Onset Cervical Cancer Study Group in 2007, examining pre-vaccination virology, and cancer morphology, shedding light on predicted impact of HPV vaccination in those under 25 years. To ensure vulnerable populations were not left behind, the team examined the impact of sexual abuse, calling for HPV vaccination in forensic protocols for child abuse survivors, which is now implemented by the US Centres for Disease Control. Population monitoring in the post-vaccine era has demonstrated a dramatic decline in vaccine-related genotypes in Australia, such that disease eradication is now possible.

Professor Fiona Russell and her team undertook cervical cancer epidemiology in Fiji and reviewed the cervical cancer screening program to enable the Fiji Ministry of Health to make an evidence-based decision on the introduction of HPV vaccine into the national immunisation schedule. As part of the New Vaccine Evaluation Project (2012-2017) she led the impact of HPV vaccine on HPV infections.  She leads a study to assess the impact of one, 2 or 3 doses of HPV vaccine on HPV infection rates in Fiji. The preliminary findings from this study suggest that a single dose of vaccine reduces infection. We assessed the long-term immunogenicity of fewer doses of HPV vaccine. These findings are highly relevant for low and middle-income countries where the burden is high but the vaccines are very expensive. During this Grand Rounds, Fiona will highlight the key research gaps and challenges in HPV vaccine in the global context.

Speakers:

Dr Yasmin Jayasinghe, is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, and Gynaecologist at Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne, and Dysplasia Service at The Women’s Hospital. Her research themes focus on young women’s health, oncofertility, and HPV in young women.

Professor Fiona Russell is Professor in the Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Director of the Child and Adolescent Health PhD Program, and Group Leader, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.   She leads a number of studies funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisations in the region that address research questions for governments to make decisions about child health policy.