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Chronic, Acute, and Reactivated HIV Infection in Humanized Immunodeficient Mouse Models
Published on: December 3, 2019
Multicentric Castleman's disease in HIV infection
L S Collins1, A Fowler, C Y W Tong
1Department of GU Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK. lisa.collins@gstt.nhs.uk
International Journal of STD & AIDS
|January 18, 2006
Summary
Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare disorder often linked to HHV8 in HIV patients. Diagnosis delays are common, and while treatments exist, prognosis remains poor, with novel HHV8 therapies showing promise.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD) is a rare lymphoproliferative disorder with unknown incidence.
- MCD is more prevalent in HIV-positive individuals, with human herpes virus 8 (HHV8) universally present in HIV-related cases.
- Pathological features suggest chronic antigen stimulation, and non-specific presentations lead to diagnostic delays.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Multicentric Castleman's disease (MCD).
- To discuss diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for MCD.
- To explore emerging therapies and prognosis in HIV-positive patients.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of MCD pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
- Analysis of clinical presentation and histopathological findings.
- Evaluation of current and novel therapeutic approaches, including HHV8-targeted treatments.
Main Results:
- MCD diagnosis relies on clinical, multisystemic involvement, and lymph node biopsy.
- Standard treatment for symptomatic recurrences includes corticosteroids and chemotherapy.
- The role of highly active antiretroviral treatment is debated; HHV8-targeted therapies show early promise.
Conclusions:
- MCD diagnosis is often delayed due to non-specific symptoms.
- Prognosis for HIV-positive MCD patients is poor, with increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Further research, including randomized trials for novel therapies like ganciclovir, is warranted.
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