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Published on: September 15, 2010
Anogenital neoplasia in AIDS
Mark H Einstein1, Anna S Kadish
1Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA.
Current Opinion in Oncology
|August 18, 2004
Summary
Anogenital cancers in individuals with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are frequently linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Novel immunotherapies and vaccines are crucial for preventing and treating these HPV-associated malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is associated with an increased incidence of anogenital neoplasms.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a significant factor in the development of many AIDS-associated cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on anogenital neoplasms in AIDS patients, focusing on HPV-related cancers.
- To discuss immune responses to HPV and explore novel immunotherapeutic and preventative strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on anogenital neoplasms in AIDS.
- Analysis of immune reactivity to HPV, including humoral and cellular responses.
- Evaluation of current and emerging therapeutic and preventative strategies.
Main Results:
- Anal cancer is strongly associated with AIDS in both sexes; cervical cancer's link is debated.
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may not effectively treat HPV-induced anogenital neoplasms.
- Humoral and cellular immune responses to HPV are being investigated as potential biomarkers; CD4+ T cells may not be key for protective immunity.
Conclusions:
- Most anogenital neoplasms in HIV/AIDS patients are HPV-associated.
- Current treatments are insufficient for clearing anogenital HPV infections.
- Immunotherapy and novel vaccines hold promise for prevention and treatment of these malignancies.
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