Intro to Gynae Oncology + HPV Vaccination

Question 1

The gyneoncology MDT includes the
obvious: Gynae, radiation oncologist, radiologists, pathologists, anaesthetist
Non-obvious: Dietician, physio, clinical nurse specialist

What should be done when assessing any oncology patient regardless of the type of cancer

Answer 1

1) Baseline health and fitness for surgery
2) ECOG test (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group)
3) Frailty index
4) Support network
5) Patient wishes
+ Bloods/labs
+ Imaging

=> incorporate the first 3 into

Question 2

ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group): what does it assess?

Answer 2

It assesses the patient’s level of functioning and their ability to care for themselves (note: lower scorers indicate better functioning)

Question 3

What are the main RFs for contracting HPV

Answer 3

High sexual activity with multiple partners
unprotected sex (Barrier protection)
HIV/Transplant patients
IV drug users
Renal dialysis

Question 4

HPV is a group of over 100 viruses causing 1 in 20 cancers worldwide especially cervical with over 60 oncogenic types. The HPV vaccine is the reason why cervical cancer is virtually eliminated in those born after 1995.
What is the current vaccine for HPV
At what age is it offered?

Answer 4

Nonavalent Gardasil vaccine. Protects against 9 major subtypes
Offered at age 12-13

Question 5

What are the most oncogenic strains of HPV?

Answer 5

HPV 16, 18
others are 6,11,31,37…

Question 6

Should a vaccinated woman still attend cervical screening?

Answer 6

Yes

Question 7

Is smoking a risk factor for HPV?

Answer 7

No, it is a RF for the diseases that HPV causes as it is also oncogenic