HIV-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the second most prevalent malignancy in patients infected with HIV. Approximately 30,000 new cases of NHL are diagnosed annually, and individuals with immunodeficiencies have a greater likelihood than the general population of developing NHL. Moreover, individuals who are seropositive for HIV have a fourfold greater risk of acquiring NHL. Most of these individuals will manifest NHL as a high-grade B-cell lymphoma with extranodal presentation. Response to standard chemotherapy and/or irradiation occurs frequently. However, because of opportunistic infections, overall survival is approximately five months. The expert nurse's role in assessment and management of symptoms associated with infection and side effects of therapy is critical.