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Malignancies in HIV/AIDS: from epidemiology to therapeutic challenges
Paul G Rubinstein1, David M Aboulafia, Andrew Zloza
1aSection of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Developmental Center for AIDS Research bDepartment of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois cDivision of Hematology and Oncology, Virginia Mason Medical Center, and the Division of Hematology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington dDepartment of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Cancer Center, Developmental Center for AIDS Research, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA. *Paul G. Rubinstein and David M. Aboulafia contributed equally to the writing of this article.
Insights
Despite advances in HIV/AIDS treatment, AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) remain more common in HIV-infected individuals. Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) are also rising, indicating ongoing challenges in cancer management for this population.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has reduced AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) but not eliminated them in HIV-infected individuals.
- Non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) like lung, liver, anal, and melanoma are increasingly prevalent and contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV/AIDS.
- While increased longevity contributes to NADC trends, it doesn't fully explain the observed epidemiology.
Discussion:
- This review examines the epidemiology and etiology of cancers in the context of HIV/AIDS.
- Preclinical research and treatment considerations for HIV-associated malignancies are discussed.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing the persistent cancer burden in HIV/AIDS care.
Key Insights:
- Cancer remains a significant health issue for people living with HIV/AIDS, encompassing both ADCs and NADCs.
- The aging HIV-infected population experiences rising rates of NADCs, posing a growing clinical challenge.
- Effective management of HIV/AIDS requires a comprehensive approach to cancer prevention and treatment.
Outlook:
- Further research into the complex interplay between HIV, aging, and cancer development is essential.
- Developing targeted strategies for NADC prevention and treatment in the HIV-infected population is a priority.
- Continued investigation into novel therapeutic approaches may improve outcomes for HIV-associated cancers.
Abstract:
The incidence of AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) - Kaposi sarcoma, primary central nervous system lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer - although on the decline since shortly after the introduction of HAART, has continued to be greater even in treated HIV-infected persons than in the general population. Although the survival of newly infected people living with HIV/AIDS now rivals that of the general population, morbidity and mortality associated with non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) such as lung, liver, anal, and melanoma are significant and also continue to rise. Increasing age (i.e. longevity) is the greatest risk factor for NADCs, but longevity alone is not sufficient to fully explain these trends in cancer epidemiology. In this review, we briefly review the epidemiology and etiology of cancers seen in HIV/AIDS, and in this context, discuss preclinical research and broad treatment considerations. Investigation of these considerations provides insight into why malignancies continue to be a major problem in the current era of HIV/AIDS care.
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