The Director of The University of Queensland’s Centre for immunology and Cancer Research, Professor Ian Frazer, said he was disappointed by the decision of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) not to recommend the cervical cancer vaccine as a routine vaccination measure.
"I`m naturally disappointed at the decision, and somewhat surprised at the stated basis of it,” said Professor Frazer, who invented the vaccine in a UQ lab, along with the late Dr Jian Zhou.
“Though I wish to see the written basis of the decision before making more specific comment, I understand from a Department of Health and Ageing press release that PBAC was of the opinion that there is insufficient evidence that the vaccine will protect, long term, against cervical cancer.
“This seems at odds with my reading of the available evidence, and also with usual practice for introduction of new vaccines.
“The issue of vaccine cost, also raised in the press release, is a matter between CSL and the PBAC.
“Routine vaccination in Australia would be expected, however, to prevent up to 15,000 surgical operations each year for the treatment of cervical pre-cancer, and the necessary lifelong follow-up of the treated women, as well as preventing up to 70% of the 300 deaths from cervical cancer each year in this country.
“This decision from an authoritative body of experts may also inappropriately colour the public`s perception of the effectiveness of the vaccine in the fight against cervical cancer, and therefore reduce its use in this country, and the pressure for its introduction in countries where cervical cancer is untreatable, and the commonest cause of cancer death in women."
Professor Frazer will hold a media conference this morning in Brisbane.
Details:
10.30am
St Germain Room (ball room level)
Sofitel Brisbane
249 Turbot Street
Brisbane
This will be Professor Frazer’s only media conference.
Media contact: Anton Sanker 0412 057 512; Miguel Holland (07) 3365 2619
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