Human immunodeficiency virus--associated renal cell carcinoma: a transatlantic case series

The spectrum of diseases associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has changed dramatically following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Non-AIDS-defining cancers, including renal cell carcinoma (RCC), are being recognized increasingly in this population. Our aim was to describe the risk factors, clinical findings, pathology, and response to therapy of RCC in patients infected with HIV.

We identified 9 men with HIV infection who developed RCC. Data regarding their HIV status, RCC risk factors, clinical presentation, and pathology were collected. A detailed retrospective chart review focusing on the course of their malignancy, response to therapy, and outcome was performed.

Renal cell carcinoma was diagnosed in patients with a median age of 48 years, and most had a history of tobacco use. No association between HIV-related immunosuppression (mean CD4 count, 301 cells/mm3) and the development, clinical presentation, pathology, or behavior of RCC was identified. Long-term survival correlated with early nephrectomy, and the use of interleukin-2 therapy for advanced RCC was not additive. A total of 5 patients died, 1 from a pulmonary embolism and 4 from disseminated RCC.

Renal cell carcinoma should be included in the expanding array of non-AIDS-defining malignancies that develop during the course of HIV infection. Acknowledging the inherent limitations of our small study, these data show that the clinical presentation and behavior of RCC in patients with HIV appear similar to that of the HIV-negative population and that chronic immunosuppression plays a lesser role than age and exposure to risk factors in this setting.