CLINICAL BURDEN AND INDIRECT COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MORTALITY FROM HPV CANCERS: A FOCUS ON THE ITALIAN CONTEXT
Author(s)
Matteo Scortichini1, Chiara Bini, NA2, FRANCESCA SENESE, MPH3, Vanessa Angelucci4, Ugne Sabale5, Paolo Sciattella, MSc, PhD6.
1MSc, Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Rome, Italy, 2Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Roma, Italy, 3MSD Italy, roma, Italy, 4Italy, 5Merck Sharp & Dohme International Service B.V., Vilnius, Lithuania, 6Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Rome, Italy.
1MSc, Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Rome, Italy, 2Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Roma, Italy, 3MSD Italy, roma, Italy, 4Italy, 5Merck Sharp & Dohme International Service B.V., Vilnius, Lithuania, 6Economic Evaluation and HTA (EEHTA CEIS), Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty ofEconomics,, Rome, Italy.
OBJECTIVES: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-related cancers represent a significant, preventable oncological burden. Despite the availability of highly effective vaccines, suboptimal vaccination coverage limits the full realization of their public health benefits. The aim of this study is to quantify the economic burden associated with HPV-related cancers in Italy, to support decision-making and promote efficient resource allocation within the healthcare system.
METHODS: An economic model was developed to estimate the indirect costs associated with HPV-related cancers in terms of productivity losses due to premature mortality. Incidence and mortality estimates for HPV-related cancers were obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2024, while the proportion of deaths attributable to HPV was estimated using attributable fractions validated in the literature. The model quantified:
RESULTS: The model suggests that HPV-related diseases account for a substantial proportion of the national clinical burden in both males and females, with the largest contribution attributable to genital warts and cervical dysplasia. HPV-related conditions also generate a significant impact in terms of premature mortality and indirect costs, representing a considerable share of the avoidable oncological burden. From an economic perspective, HPV-related cancers are associated with a high burden due to productivity losses.
CONCLUSIONS: HPV-related cancers impose a substantial clinical and economic burden in Italy, largely preventable through effective primary prevention. Strengthening HPV vaccination programs, including gender-neutral strategies and higher coverage rates, is a high-value intervention that can reduce premature mortality, years of life lost, and associated indirect costs. These findings support HPV vaccination as a strategic measure to improve population health while enhancing the sustainability of the healthcare and social systems.
METHODS: An economic model was developed to estimate the indirect costs associated with HPV-related cancers in terms of productivity losses due to premature mortality. Incidence and mortality estimates for HPV-related cancers were obtained from the European Cancer Information System 2024, while the proportion of deaths attributable to HPV was estimated using attributable fractions validated in the literature. The model quantified:
- Years of Life Lost
- Years of Productive Life Lost
- Present Value of Future Lost Productivity
RESULTS: The model suggests that HPV-related diseases account for a substantial proportion of the national clinical burden in both males and females, with the largest contribution attributable to genital warts and cervical dysplasia. HPV-related conditions also generate a significant impact in terms of premature mortality and indirect costs, representing a considerable share of the avoidable oncological burden. From an economic perspective, HPV-related cancers are associated with a high burden due to productivity losses.
CONCLUSIONS: HPV-related cancers impose a substantial clinical and economic burden in Italy, largely preventable through effective primary prevention. Strengthening HPV vaccination programs, including gender-neutral strategies and higher coverage rates, is a high-value intervention that can reduce premature mortality, years of life lost, and associated indirect costs. These findings support HPV vaccination as a strategic measure to improve population health while enhancing the sustainability of the healthcare and social systems.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2026-11, ISPOR Europe 2026, Vienna, Austria
Value in Health, Volume 29, Issue 12S
Code
EPH84
Topic
Economic Evaluation, Epidemiology & Public Health
Topic Subcategory
Public Health
Disease
Oncology