AIDS-related lymphoma

The incidence of intermediate and high grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in HIV-infected individuals is approximately 60 times greater than in the general population. These AIDS-related lymphomas (AIDS-NHL) are a late manifestation of HIV infection and may increase in frequency as patients live longer with highly active antiretroviral therapy and effective prophylaxis of opportunistic infections. AIDS-NHL have unique clinical and pathological features that are different from non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the general population. Histologically AIDS-NHL are either high (2/3) or intermediate (1/3) grade lymphomas. Clinically AIDS-NHL have a preponderance for extranodal involvement with central nervous system being the most common site for this. In addition to the clinical and pathological features of AIDS-NHL, a current knowledge of their pathogenesis and treatment options are presented in this review.