Re-examining the HIV 'functional cure' oxymoron: Time for precise terminology?

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• HIV/AIDS research
• Medical terminology

Background:

• The binary concepts of 'sterilizing' versus 'functional' cure have guided HIV cure research for over a decade.
• The term 'functional cure' is widely used but lacks a consistent definition across the field.
• Understanding and acceptance of 'functional cure' varies significantly within communities affected by HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the diverse meanings and applications of 'functional cure' in HIV cure research.
• To identify the challenges and inconsistencies associated with the term 'functional cure'.
• To propose alternative terminology for HIV cure research objectives.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of the different meanings of 'functional cure' in contemporary biomedical discourse.
• Analysis of the term's usage in published literature and community understanding.
• Drawing lessons from terminology used in cancer and infectious hepatitis cure research.

Main Results:

• The term 'functional cure' is contradictory and inconsistently applied across various HIV cure research initiatives.
• The meaning and acceptability of 'functional cure' are highly variable among communities of people living with HIV.
• Current terminology may not accurately reflect the scientific goals of HIV cure research.

Conclusions:

• The term 'functional cure' presents significant problems due to its ambiguity and inconsistent usage.
• Alternative language is needed to more precisely describe the scientific objectives of HIV cure research.
• Continued engagement and attention to language are crucial for developing acceptable and accurate terminology in HIV cure research.