Hematologic cancers in individuals infected by HIV

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• HIV infection is a significant risk factor for various cancers, especially lymphomas.
• Lymphomas are among the most common malignancies in individuals with HIV.
• The introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has altered the landscape of HIV-associated cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of HIV-associated lymphomas.
• To discuss the epidemiological trends and pathogenetic mechanisms.
• To evaluate the impact of cART on treatment and survival.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of epidemiological data and pathogenetic studies.
• Analysis of lymphoma incidence trends in the cART era.
• Summary of current treatment strategies and future therapeutic directions.

Main Results:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remains prevalent post-cART; other lymphoma types show stable or increased incidence.
• Pathogenesis involves HIV-induced immunosuppression, genetic factors, cytokine dysregulation, and viral coinfections (EBV, KSHV).
• Standard treatments combined with cART have improved long-term survival for HIV-associated lymphomas.

Conclusions:

• HIV-associated lymphomas are complex malignancies influenced by viral, host, and environmental factors.
• While cART has improved outcomes, novel therapeutic approaches are essential.
• Future research should focus on oncolytic, immunotherapic, and targeted viral therapies for these cancers.