Non-Hodgkin lymphoma incidence in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study before and after highly active antiretroviral therapy

Treatment of immigrants and residents suffering from neuro-AIDS on a neurological intensive care unit: epidemiology and predictors of outcome

This study aimed at determining the clinical features and predictors for the outcome of patients with Neuro-Aids treated on a neurological intensive care unit (NICU) using retrospective analysis of all patients treated for Neuro-Aids in a tertiary Department of Neurology between 1996 and 2011. Chart review of the patients including the characteristics of intensive care was performed. As negative outcome, "death on the NICU or within 2 months following completion of NICU treatment" was defined. In total, 462 patients were identified of whom 87 were immigrants. 67 of all patients required NICU treatment (mean age 40.2 ± 0.8 years; 64% male). The median of the duration between diagnosis of HIV infection and the onset of treatment on NICU was 8 days for immigrants and 10 years for residents (p < 0.001). 34 of the patients on the NICU died due to severe neuromanifestations. Negative predictors for death were: (1) artificial ventilation; (2) antiretroviral-naïve immigrant; (3) primary cerebral lymphoma; (4) missing antiretroviral therapy upon admission to the NICU. Gender, age, ethnicity, CD4+ cell count, and viral load were no predictors of a negative outcome. The results indicated that the rate of death during treatment on a NICU is much higher as compared with treatment on an internal medicine ICU. A lot of research and effort will be necessary to improve this outcome especially for immigrants with Neuro-Aids.

The incidence of AIDS-defining illnesses at a current CD4 count ≥ 200 cells/μL in the post-combination antiretroviral therapy era

BACKGROUND

Few studies consider the incidence of individual AIDS-defining illnesses (ADIs) at higher CD4 counts, relevant on a population level for monitoring and resource allocation.

METHODS

Individuals from the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) aged ≥14 years with ≥1 CD4 count of ≥200 µL between 1998 and 2010 were included. Incidence rates (per 1000 person-years of follow-up [PYFU]) were calculated for each ADI within different CD4 strata; Poisson regression, using generalized estimating equations and robust standard errors, was used to model rates of ADIs with current CD4 ≥500/µL.

RESULTS

A total of 12 135 ADIs occurred at a CD4 count of ≥200 cells/µL among 207 539 persons with 1 154 803 PYFU. Incidence rates declined from 20.5 per 1000 PYFU (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.0-21.1 per 1000 PYFU) with current CD4 200-349 cells/µL to 4.1 per 1000 PYFU (95% CI, 3.6-4.6 per 1000 PYFU) with current CD4 ≥ 1000 cells/µL. Persons with a current CD4 of 500-749 cells/µL had a significantly higher rate of ADIs (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.10-1.32), whereas those with a current CD4 of ≥1000 cells/µL had a similar rate (aIRR, 0.92; 95% CI, .79-1.07), compared to a current CD4 of 750-999 cells/µL. Results were consistent in persons with high or low viral load. Findings were stronger for malignant ADIs (aIRR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.25-1.86) than for nonmalignant ADIs (aIRR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.01-1.25), comparing persons with a current CD4 of 500-749 cells/µL to 750-999 cells/µL.

DISCUSSION

The incidence of ADIs was higher in individuals with a current CD4 count of 500-749 cells/µL compared to those with a CD4 count of 750-999 cells/µL, but did not decrease further at higher CD4 counts. Results were similar in patients virologically suppressed on combination antiretroviral therapy, suggesting that immune reconstitution is not complete until the CD4 increases to >750 cells/µL.

Risk of AIDS-defining cancers among HIV-1-infected patients in France between 1992 and 2009: results from the FHDH-ANRS CO4 cohort

BACKGROUND

We examined trends in the incidence of the 3 AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs; Kaposi sarcoma [KS], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [NHL], and cervical cancer) among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients relative to the general population between 1992 and 2009 in France, focusing on age at ADC diagnosis and on patients with controlled viral load and restored immunity on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

METHODS

Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates were estimated in patients enrolled in the French hospital database on HIV, and in the general population in France during 4 calendar periods (1992-1996, 1997-2000, 2001-2004, and 2005-2009). Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated for all periods and separately for patients on cART, with CD4 counts ≥500 cells/µL for at least 2 years and viral load ≤500 copies/mL.

RESULTS

Although the incidence of ADCs fell significantly across the calendar periods, the risk remained constantly higher in HIV-infected patients than in the general population. In patients with restored immunity, the relative risk remained significantly elevated for KS (SIR = 35.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 18.3-61.9), and was similar to that of the general population for NHL (SIR = 1.0; 95% CI, .4-1.8). ADCs were diagnosed at a younger age in HIV-infected patients, with a particularly marked difference for NHL (-11.3 years, P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of all ADCs continued to fall, including cervical cancer, in the cART period, but the risk remained higher than in the general population in 2005-2009. In patients with stably restored immunity, KS remained significantly more frequent than in the general population.

Non-AIDS-defining hematological malignancies in HIV-infected patients: an epidemiological study in Japan

OBJECTIVE

To clarify the incidence and clinical outcomes of non-AIDS-defining hematological malignancies (NADHMs), excluding non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, in HIV-infected patients.

DESIGN

A nationwide epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate the incidence and clinical outcomes of NADHMs.

METHODS

Questionnaires were sent to 429 regional AIDS centers and 497 educational hospitals certified by the Japanese Society of Hematology. Data from 511 institutes were obtained.

RESULTS

From 1991 to 2010, 47 patients with NADHMs were detected (median age, 42.0 years; male, 93.6%). The median CD4-positive T-cell count was 255/μl, and the median duration from the diagnosis of HIV infection to development of hematological malignancy was 28.0 months. Most patients with acute leukemia were treated with standard induction chemotherapy. Complete remission rates and median overall survival periods for acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) were 70.0 and 85.7% and 13 and 16 months, respectively. Three of four patients with chronic-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CML-CP) were well controlled with imatinib. Five patients (2 AML, 1 ALL, 1 accelerated-phase CML, and 1 myeloma) were treated with autologous or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation. Comparison of patients over the two periods (1991-2000 and 2001-2009) revealed a 4.5-fold increase in the incidence of hematological malignancies.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of NADHMs has increased in the past decade. The prognosis of these patients was similar to that of HIV-negative patients; therefore, standard chemotherapy may be a feasible treatment option for HIV-infected patients with hematological malignancies.

Exposure to antiretroviral therapy and risk of cancer in HIV-infected persons

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of certain non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) in HIV patients has been reported to have increased in the combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. Studies are needed to directly evaluate the effect of ART use on cancer risk.

DESIGN

We followed 12 872 HIV-infected Kaiser Permanente members whose complete ART history was known for incident cancers between 1996 and 2008.

METHODS

Cancers, identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-based cancer registries, were grouped as ADCs, infection-related NADCs, or infection-unrelated NADCs. We also evaluated the most common individual cancer types. Rate ratios for ART use (yes/no) and cumulative duration of any ART, protease inhibitor, and nonnucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) therapy were obtained from Poisson models adjusting for demographics, pretreatment or recent CD4 cell count and HIV RNA levels, years known HIV-infected, prior antiretroviral use, HIV risk, smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, overweight/obesity, and calendar year.

RESULTS

The cohort experienced 32 368 person-years of ART, 21 249 person-years of protease inhibitor therapy, and 15 643 person-years of NNRTI therapy. The mean follow-up duration was 4.5 years. ADC rates decrease with increased duration of ART use [rate ratio per year = 0.61 (95% confidence interval 0.56-0.66)]; the effect was similar by therapy class. ART, protease inhibitor, or NNRTI therapy duration was not associated with infection-related or infection-unrelated NADC [rate ratio per year ART = 1.00 (0.91-1.11) and 0.96 (0.90-1.01), respectively], except a higher anal cancer risk with longer protease inhibitor therapy [rate ratio per year = 1.16 (1.02-1.31)].

CONCLUSION

No therapy class-specific effect was found for ADC. ART exposure was generally not associated with NADC risk, except for long-term use of protease inhibitor, which might be associated with increased anal cancer risk.

The spectrum of cancers in West Africa: associations with human immunodeficiency virus

Background

Cancer is a growing co-morbidity among HIV-infected patients worldwide. With the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in developing countries, cancer will contribute more and more to the HIV/AIDS disease burden. Our objective was to estimate the association between HIV infection and selected types of cancers among patients hospitalized for diagnosis or treatment of cancer in West Africa.

Methods

A case-referent study was conducted in referral hospitals in Côte d’Ivoire and Benin. Each participating clinical ward enrolled all adult patients seeking care for a confirmed diagnosis of cancer and clinicians systematically proposed an HIV test. HIV prevalence was compared between AIDS-defining cancers and a subset of selected non-AIDS defining cancers to a referent group of non-AIDS defining cancers not reported in the literature to be positively or inversely associated with HIV. An unconditional logistic model was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) of the risk of being HIV-infected for selected cancers sites compared to a referent group of other cancers.

Results

The HIV overall prevalence was 12.3% (CI 10.3–14.4) among the 1,017 cancer cases included. A total of 442 patients constituted the referent group with an HIV prevalence of 4.7% (CI 2.8–6.7). In multivariate analysis, Kaposi sarcoma (OR 62.2 [CI 22.1–175.5]), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (4.0 [CI 2.0–8.0]), cervical cancer (OR 7.9 [CI 3.8–16.7]), anogenital cancer (OR 11.6 [CI 2.9–46.3]) and liver cancer (OR 2.7 [CI 1.1–7.7]) were all associated with HIV infection.

Conclusions

In a time of expanding access to ART, AIDS-defining cancers remain highly associated with HIV infection. This is to our knowledge, the first study reporting a significant association between HIV infection and liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa.

HIV infection, aging, and immune function: implications for cancer risk and prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has turned HIV infection into a complex chronic disease. This article documents cancer risk among HIV-infected persons, reviews immune system effects of HIV infection in relation to cancer risk, discusses implications for cancer prevention, and suggests future research directions.

RECENT FINDINGS

There has been a shift in the cancer spectrum from AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) to non-ADC, although the burden of ADC remains high. Although a high prevalence of non-HIV cancer risk factors among HIV-infected persons contributes to cancer risk, substantial evidence has accumulated in favor of an independent association between HIV-induced immunodeficiency and elevated risk of many specific cancer types, most of viral cause, although further work is needed to disentangle immunodeficiency and smoking effects for lung cancer, and immunodeficiency and hepatitis virus effects for liver cancer. Relationships between cancer risk and two other immune system hallmarks of HIV infection, chronic inflammation, and immune dysfunction/senescence, remain poorly understood.

SUMMARY

Early, sustained ART is a crucial component of cancer prevention. Continued epidemiologic monitoring is needed to detect possible effects on cancer risk of specific ART classes or medications, long-term exposure to systemic inflammation or immune dysfunction, or earlier or more effective ART.

Cancer, immunodeficiency and antiretroviral treatment: results from the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD)

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study was to conduct a within-cohort assessment of risk factors for incident AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) and non-ADCs (NADCs) within the Australian HIV Observational Database (AHOD).

METHODS

A total of 2181 AHOD registrants were linked to the National AIDS Registry/National HIV Database (NAR/NHD) and the Australian Cancer Registry to identify those with a notified cancer diagnosis. Included in the current analyses were cancers diagnosed after HIV infection. Risk factors for cancers were also assessed using logistic regression methods.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-nine cancer cases were diagnosed after HIV infection among 129 patients. More than half the diagnoses (n = 68; 60%) were ADCs, of which 69% were Kaposi's sarcoma and 31% non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Among the NADCs, the most common cancers were melanoma (n = 10), lung cancer (n = 6), Hodgkin's lymphoma (n = 5) and anal cancer (n = 5). Over a total of 21021 person-years (PY) of follow-up since HIV diagnosis, the overall crude cancer incidence rate for any cancer was 5.09/1000 PY. The overall rate of cancers decreased from 15.9/1000 PY [95% confidence interval (CI) 9.25-25.40/1000 PY] for CD4 counts < 100 cells/μL to 2.4/1000 PY (95% CI 1.62-3.39/1000 PY) for CD4 counts > 350 cells/μL. Lower CD4 cell count and prior AIDS diagnoses were significant predictors for both ADCs and NADCs.

CONCLUSIONS

ADCs remain the predominant cancers in this population, although NADC rates have increased in the more recent time period. Immune deficiency is a risk factor for both ADCs and NADCs.

HIV-associated lymphoma

The incidence of aggressive lymphoma in the setting of HIV infection is significantly increased relative to the general population. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) for HIV has reduced the incidence of these neoplasms and has significantly improved clinical outcome for those who do develop lymphoma and require chemotherapy. With the possible exception of those individuals with the most severe immunocompromise, patients with HIV-associated lymphoma can be treated with the same standard immuno-chemotherapy regimens used in the immunocompetent population with similar expectations for good clinical outcome. Infusional regimens like dose adjusted EPOCH-R appear to be highly effective first-line therapy and for relapsed patients high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell support is well-tolerated and effective. However, it should be recognized that there are unique risks associated with management of lymphoma in this patient population. While opportunistic infections are no longer a significant cause of death, antiretroviral agents used for management of HIV infection may interact with chemotherapeutic agents and other adjunctive therapies making communication between the treating Oncologist and the patient's primary HIV treatment provider of prime importance.

HIV infection, immunodeficiency, viral replication, and the risk of cancer

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared cancer risk between HIV-infected individuals and a demographically similar HIV-uninfected internal comparison group, adjusting for cancer risk factors.

METHODS

We followed 20,775 HIV-infected and 215,158 HIV-uninfected individuals enrolled in Kaiser Permanente (KP) California for incident cancer from 1996 to 2008. Rate ratios (RR) were obtained from Poisson models comparing HIV-infected (overall and stratified by recent CD4 count and HIV RNA) with HIV-uninfected individuals, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, calendar period, KP region, smoking, alcohol/drug abuse, and overweight/obesity.

RESULTS

We observed elevated RRs for Kaposi sarcoma (KS; RR = 199; P < 0.001), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL; RR = 15; P < 0.001), anal cancer (RR = 55; P < 0.001), Hodgkin lymphoma (HL; RR = 19; P < 0.001), melanoma (RR = 1.8; P = 0.001), and liver cancer (RR = 1.8; P = 0.013), a reduced RR for prostate cancer (RR = 0.8; P = 0.012), and no increased risk for oral cavity/pharynx (RR = 1.4; P = 0.14), lung (RR = 1.2; P = 0.15), or colorectal (RR = 0.9; P = 0.34) cancers. Lung and oral cavity/pharynx cancers were elevated for HIV-infected subjects in models adjusted only for demographics. KS, NHL, anal cancer, HL, and colorectal cancer had significant (P < 0.05) trends for increasing RRs with decreasing recent CD4. The RRs for lung and oral cavity/pharynx cancer were significantly elevated with CD4 < 200 cells/μL and for melanoma and liver cancer with CD4 < 500 cells/μL. Only KS and NHL were associated with HIV RNA.

CONCLUSION

Immunodeficiency was positively associated with all cancers examined except prostate cancer among HIV-infected compared with HIV-uninfected individuals, after adjustment for several cancer risk factors.

IMPACT

Earlier antiretroviral therapy initiation to maintain high CD4 levels might reduce the burden of cancer in this population.

Epidemiologic trends of cancer diagnoses among HIV-infected children in Spain from 1997 to 2008

BACKGROUND

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has influenced the incidence of cancer in people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the pattern of cancer rates in HIV-infected children on HAART during over a decade of follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We carried out a case-control study. Data were obtained from the records of the minimum basic data set of hospitals in Spain from 1999 to 2008. The epidemiologic trends of cancer diagnoses were evaluated through 3 calendar periods: early-period HAART: 1997-1999, midperiod HAART: 2000-2002, and late-period HAART: 2003-2008).

RESULTS

HIV-infected children had higher rates of cancer diagnosis than HIV-negative children (P < 0.001) for both acquired immunodeficiency disease syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancies (ADM) and non-AIDS-defining malignancies (non-ADM). The highest rates of cancer diagnosis in HIV-positive children were for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage, and Hodgkin lymphoma. When we compared the 3 calendar periods, we found that the rate of ADM diagnoses decreased (from 9.1 to 3.6 to 1.0 cancers per 1000 HIV-children/yr; P < 0.05) and that the rate of non-ADM diagnoses increased (from 0.6 to 5.0 to 8.7 cancers per 1000 HIV-children/yr; P < 0.05). Moreover, the overall rate of cancer diagnoses (ADM plus non-ADM) did not change during the study period (9.7, 8.7, and 9.7 cancers per 1000 HIV-children/yr).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-infected children had a dramatic decrease in the rate of ADM diagnoses and an increase in the rate of non-ADM diagnoses. The overall cancer diagnosis rate has not decreased during the past decade and the incidence of cancer still remains high in HIV-infected children in Spain.

[Treatment of neuro-AIDS on a neurological intensive care unit: epidemiology and predictors of outcome]

BACKGROUND

Investigations concerning the outcome for patients suffering from neuro-AIDS treated on a neurological intensive care unit and specific predictors indicating "dead" were analyzed.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 56 patients with a mean age of 39 ± 0.7 years, a mean CD4+ cell count of 130 ± 166 CD4+ cells/µl and viral load of 146,520 ± 198,059 copies/ml were treated on a neurological intensive care unit due to different forms of neuro-AIDS.

RESULTS

Of the patients, 34% were immigrants of whom 74% came from sub-Saharan regions. In 57% of the patients the diagnosis of HIV infection was made during therapy on the neurological intensive care unit. The median for the time between diagnosis of HIV infection and the treatment on the neurological intensive care unit was 8 days for immigrants and 10 years for residents. The most common manifestations of neuro-AIDS were cerebral toxoplasmosis, cryptococcosis and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Fifty per cent of the patients (n=28) died during treatment on the neurological intensive care unit. Negative predictors for the outcome "dead" were (a) artificial ventilation, (b) antiretroviral naïve immigrant, (c) primary cerebral lymphoma and (d) missing antiretroviral therapy as a result of admission to the intensive care unit.

DISCUSSION

The rate of death during treatment of neuro-AIDS on a neurological intensive care unit is much higher than during treatment of internal medicine problems of HIV infection. Antiretroviral naïve immigrants show a much higher rate of death compared to residents in Germany. A lot of research and effort is necessary to improve the availability of the Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART) worldwide in order to improve the outcome especially for immigrants with neuro-AIDS treated on a neurological intensive care unit.

The effect of HAART and calendar period on Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma: results of a match between an AIDS and cancer registry

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact of HAART use on AIDS-defining Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among adults with AIDS.

DESIGN

Registry linkage study.

METHODS

Adults diagnosed with AIDS from 1990 to 2000 in the San Francisco AIDS case registry were matched with cancer cases diagnosed from 1985 to 2002 in the California Cancer Registry. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate the risk and survival of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, systemic NHL, and primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

RESULTS

Of the 14 183 adults with AIDS, 3028 were diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma, 776 with systemic NHL, and 254 with CNS NHL. After adjustment for potential confounders, more recent calendar period and use of HAART were significantly associated with a decreased risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, whereas HAART use but not calendar period was significantly associated with systemic and CNS NHL. In adjusted analysis of Kaposi's sarcoma survival time, there was strong evidence of a reduced risk of death associated with HAART use and more recent calendar period. In contrast, in adjusted analyses of systemic NHL survival time, HAART use was not associated with improved survival time; however, calendar period was associated with longer survival. In adjusted analysis of CNS NHL survival time, only cancer treatment was associated with a longer survival time.

CONCLUSION

After controlling for calendar period and other confounders, use of HAART decreased the risk of Kaposi's sarcoma, systemic NHL, and CNS NHL. Use of HAART also increased Kaposi's sarcoma survival time but not NHL survival time.

Early development of non-hodgkin lymphoma following initiation of newer class antiretroviral therapy among HIV-infected patients - implications for immune reconstitution

Background

In the HAART era, the incidence of HIV-associated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is decreasing. We describe cases of NHL among patients with multi-class antiretroviral resistance diagnosed rapidly after initiating newer-class antiretrovirals, and examine the immunologic and virologic factors associated with potential IRIS-mediated NHL.

Methods

During December 2006 to January 2008, eligible HIV-infected patients from two affiliated clinics accessed Expanded Access Program antiretrovirals of raltegravir, etravirine, and/or maraviroc with optimized background. A NHL case was defined as a pathologically-confirmed tissue diagnosis in a patient without prior NHL developing symptoms after starting newer-class antiretrovirals. Mean change in CD4 and log₁₀ VL in NHL cases compared to controls was analyzed at week 12, a time point at which values were collected among all cases.

Results

Five cases occurred among 78 patients (mean incidence = 64.1/1000 patient-years). All cases received raltegravir and one received etravirine. Median symptom onset from newer-class antiretroviral initiation was 5 weeks. At baseline, the median CD4 and VL for NHL cases (n = 5) versus controls (n = 73) were 44 vs.117 cells/mm3 (p = 0.09) and 5.2 vs. 4.2 log₁₀ (p = 0.06), respectively. The mean increase in CD4 at week 12 in NHL cases compared to controls was 13 (n = 5) vs. 74 (n = 50)(p = 0.284). Mean VL log₁₀ reduction in NHL cases versus controls at week 12 was 2.79 (n = 5) vs. 1.94 (n = 50)(p = 0.045).

Conclusions

An unexpectedly high rate of NHL was detected among treatment-experienced patients achieving a high level of virologic response with newer-class antiretrovirals. We observed trends toward lower baseline CD4 and higher baseline VL in NHL cases, with a significantly greater decline in VL among cases by 12 weeks. HIV-related NHL can occur in the setting of immune reconstitution. Potential immunologic, virologic, and newer-class antiretroviral-specific factors associated with rapid development of NHL warrants further investigation.

Changing patterns of cancer incidence in the early- and late-HAART periods: the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 led to a decrease in the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), but not of other cancers, among people with HIV or AIDS (PWHA). It also led to marked increases in their life expectancy.

METHODS

We conducted a record-linkage study between the Swiss HIV Cohort Study and nine Swiss cantonal cancer registries. In total, 9429 PWHA provided 20,615, 17,690, and 15,410 person-years in the pre-, early-, and late-HAART periods, respectively. Standardised incidence ratios in PWHA vs the general population, as well as age-standardised, and age-specific incidence rates were computed for different periods.

RESULTS

Incidence of KS and NHL decreased by several fold between the pre- and early-HAART periods, and additionally declined from the early- to the late-HAART period. Incidence of cancers of the anus, liver, non-melanomatous skin, and Hodgkin's lymphoma increased in the early- compared with the pre-HAART period, but not during the late-HAART period. The incidence of all non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) combined was similar in all periods, and approximately double that in the general population.

CONCLUSIONS

Increases in the incidence of selected NADCs after the introduction of HAART were largely accounted for by the ageing of PWHA.

Immunologic and virologic predictors of AIDS-related non-hodgkin lymphoma in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era

HIV-infected persons treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) continue to have elevated risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). We conducted a retrospective cohort study of NHL among patients at an urban HIV clinic (N = 3025). Proportional hazards models identified immunologic and virologic predictors of NHL. Sixty-five NHLs arose during 1989 to 2006. NHL incidence declined over time. Nonetheless, 51 NHLs (78%) occurred within the HAART era (1996-2006). NHL risk increased with declining CD4 count (P trend < 0.0001) and increasing HIV viral load (P trend = 0.005). In a multivariable model, NHL risk was independently associated with both current CD4 count (hazard ratios 7.7 and 3.8, respectively, for CD4 counts 0-99 and 100-249 vs. 250+ cells/mm(3); P trend < 0.0001) and prior time spent with a viral load above 5.00 log(10) copies/mL (hazard ratios of 3.4, 2.6, and 6.8, respectively, for 0.1-0.4, 0.5-1.4, and 1.5+ yr vs. 0 yr; P trend = 0.004). Although serum globulin levels were elevated compared with the general population, NHL risk was unrelated to this B-cell activation marker (P = 0.39). Among HIV-infected individuals in the HAART era, NHLs are linked to immunosuppression and extended periods of uncontrolled HIV viremia. The association with high-level viremia could reflect detrimental effects on immune function related to incompletely effective HAART or direct effects on B cells.

The impact of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma on mortality of people with AIDS in the highly active antiretroviral therapies era

BACKGROUND

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have strongly diminished in the HAART era, but their impact on life expectancy of people with AIDS (PWA) needs to be monitored. We aimed at quantifying the burden of KS and NHL on mortality of PWA in the HAART period in Italy.

METHODS

Death certificates of 3209 PWA diagnosed in 1999-2006 who died as of December 2006 were reviewed to identify those deaths in which KS or NHL was the underlying cause. Standardized mortality ratios (SMR) were computed.

RESULTS

KS or NHL appeared in 4.3% and 14.6% death certificates, respectively; they were the underlying cause of death in 3.1% and 13.4% of cases. SMR were 8698-fold higher for KS and 349-fold higher for NHL, and tended to decline over the study period.

CONCLUSION

KS and NHL caused about 16% of deaths of PWA in the HAART era, with 100-fold higher risks of death compared to the Italian general population also in recent years. Clinicians and public health officials should be aware of the persisting negative impact of these cancers on life expectancy of PWA.

Unmet therapeutic needs in the new era of combination antiretroviral therapy for HIV-1

Significant advances in outcomes have been achieved with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in patients living with HIV. However, several ongoing needs remain with respect to the development of new treatments. The need for new or enhanced cART may become increasingly apparent as patients live longer with HIV and a greater proportion die from non-AIDS-related illnesses. Immunological response to cART is variable and immune failure occurs, despite virological control. Moreover, viral suppression can be incomplete due to insufficient antiviral efficacy, acquired or transmitted drug resistance, suboptimal pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and lack of adherence. Chronic immune activation may continue even when viral replication is relatively restrained. Patients continue to experience cardiovascular and metabolic complications, due to disease, treatment and ageing. In addition, neurocognitive impairment and malignancy are important sources of ongoing morbidity despite cART. HIV also affects immune system senescence and bone turnover. This review discusses potential unmet needs with respect to these issues.

Incidence and risk factors of HIV-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy: a European multicohort study

BACKGROUND

Incidence and risk factors of HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) are not well defined in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

METHODS

A total of 56,305 adult HIV type-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients who started cART in 1 of 22 prospective studies in Europe were included. Weibull random effects models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for developing systemic NHL and included CD4(+) T-cell counts and viral load as time-updated variables.

RESULTS

During the 212,042 person-years of follow-up, 521 patients were diagnosed with systemic NHL and 62 with primary brain lymphoma (PBL). The incidence rate of systemic NHL was 463 per 100,000 person-years not on cART and 205 per 100,000 person-years in treated patients for a rate ratio of 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.37-0.53). The corresponding incidence rates of PBL were 57 and 24 per 100,000 person-years (rate ratio 0.43, 95% CI 0.25-0.73). Suppression of HIV-1 replication on cART (HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44-0.81, comparing < or =500 with 10,000-99,999 copies/ml) and increases in CD4(+) T-cell counts (HR 0.30, 0.22-0.42, comparing > or =350 with 100-199 cells/microl) were protective; a history of Kaposi's sarcoma (HR 1.70, 1.08-2.68, compared to no history of AIDS), transmission through sex between men (HR 1.57, 1.19-2.08, compared with heterosexual transmission) and older age (HR 3.71, 2.37-5.80, comparing > or =50 with 16-29 years) were risk factors for systemic NHL.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence rates of both systemic NHL and PBL were substantially reduced in patients on cART. Timely initiation of therapy is key to the prevention of NHL in the era of cART.

Effect of reduced immunosuppression after kidney transplant failure on risk of cancer: population based retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To compare cancer incidence in kidney transplant recipients during periods of transplant function (and immunosuppression) and after transplant failure (when immunosuppression is ceased or reduced). Design, setting, and participants Nationwide, population based retrospective cohort study of 8173 Australian kidney transplant recipients registered on the Australia and New Zealand Dialysis and Transplant Registry who first received a transplant during 1982-2003. Incident cancers were ascertained using linkage with national cancer registry records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cancer-specific standardised incidence ratios for periods of transplant function and for dialysis after transplant failure. Incidence was compared between periods using multivariate incidence rate ratios adjusted for current age, sex, and duration of transplantation.

RESULTS

All cases of Kaposi's sarcoma occurred during transplant function. Standardised incidence ratios were significantly elevated during transplant function, but not during dialysis after transplant failure, for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lip cancer, and melanoma. For each of these cancers, incidence was significantly lower during dialysis after transplant failure in multivariate analysis (incidence rate ratios 0.20 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.65) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 0.04 (0.01 to 0.31) for lip cancer, and 0.16 (0.04 to 0.64) for melanoma). In contrast, standardised incidence ratios during dialysis after transplant failure remained significantly elevated for leukaemia and lung cancer, and cancers related to end stage kidney disease (kidney, urinary tract, and thyroid cancers), with thyroid cancer incidence significantly higher during dialysis after transplant failure (incidence rate ratio 6.77 (2.64 to 17.39)). There was no significant difference in incidence by transplant function for other cancers.

CONCLUSIONS

The effect of immunosuppression on cancer risk is rapidly reversible for some, but not all, cancer types. Risk reversal was mainly observed for cancers with a confirmed infectious cause. Risk of other cancers, especially those related to end stage kidney disease, remained significantly increased after reduction of immunosuppression.

The challenge of AIDS-related malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

With the lengthening of life expectancy among HIV-positive subjects related to the use of highly active antiretroviral treatments, an increased risk of cancer has been described in industrialized countries. The question is to determine what occurs now and will happen in the future in the low income countries and particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where more than two-thirds of all HIV-positive people live in the world. The objective of our paper is to review the link between HIV and cancer in sub-Saharan Africa, putting it in perspective with what is already known in Western countries.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

Studies for this review were identified from several bibliographical databases including Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, Pascal, Web of Science and using keywords "HIV, neoplasia, epidemiology and Africa" and related MesH terms. A clear association was found between HIV infection and AIDS-classifying cancers. In case-referent studies, odds ratios (OR) were ranging from 21.9 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 12.5-38.6) to 47.1 (31.9-69.8) for Kaposi sarcoma and from 5.0 (2.7-9.5) to 12.6 (2.2-54.4) for non Hodgkin lymphoma. The association was less strong for invasive cervical cancer with ORs ranging from 1.1 (0.7-1.2) to 1.6 (1.1-2.3), whereas ORs for squamous intraepithelial lesions were higher, from 4.4 (2.3-8.4) to 17.0 (2.2-134.1). For non AIDS-classifying cancers, squamous cell conjunctival carcinoma of the eye was associated with HIV in many case-referent studies with ORs from 2.6 (1.4-4.9) to 13.0 (4.5-39.4). A record-linkage study conducted in Uganda showed an association between Hodgkin lymphoma and HIV infection with a standardized incidence ratio of 5.7 (1.2-17) although OR in case-referent studies ranged from 1.4 (0.7-2.8) to 1.6 (1.0-2.7). Other cancer sites found positively associated with HIV include lung, liver, anus, penis, vulva, kidney, thyroid and uterus and a decreased risk of female breast cancer. These results so far based on a relatively small number of studies warrant further epidemiological investigations, taking into account other known risk factors for these tumors.

CONCLUSION

Studies conducted in sub-Saharan Africa show that HIV infection is not only strongly associated with AIDS-classifying cancers but also provided some evidence of association for other neoplasia. African countries need now to implement well designed population-based studies in order to better describe the spectrum of AIDS-associated malignancies and the most effective strategies for their prevention, screening and treatment.

Continuing declines in some but not all HIV-associated cancers in Australia after widespread use of antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To describe changes in cancer incidence in people with HIV in Australia since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

DESIGN

Population-based, retrospective cohort study of people with HIV (n = 20 232) using data linkage between national registers of HIV/AIDS and cancer in 1982-2004.

METHODS

Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to compare site-specific cancer incidence during the early (1996-1999) and late (2000-2004) HAART periods with that prior to HAART (1982-1995). Five-year age-specific, sex-specific, calendar year-specific, and state-specific standardized incidence ratios with 95% confidence interval were also calculated for each period.

RESULTS

Incidence of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma declined significantly (Ptrend < 0.001). Incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma was significantly higher during the early-HAART period (incidence rate ratio 2.34, 95% confidence interval 1.19-4.63) but declined thereafter (Pdiff = 0.014). Incidence of anal cancer was unchanged (Ptrend = 0.451) and remained raised more than 30-fold. Incidence declined significantly for melanoma (Ptrend = 0.041) and prostate cancer (Ptrend = 0.026), and, during the late-HAART period, was lower than in the general population for both cancers. Incidence of colorectal cancer was consistently lower than in the general population.

CONCLUSION

Incidence of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma has continued to decline among people with HIV in Australia, though it remains very substantially elevated. Incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma may now also be declining. Incidence of anal cancer has remained stable, and it is now the third most common cancer in HIV-infected Australians. Reasons for the reduced incidence of colorectal and prostate cancer, and more recently of melanoma, are unclear.

Effect of immunodeficiency, HIV viral load, and antiretroviral therapy on the risk of individual malignancies (FHDH-ANRS CO4): a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The relative roles of immunodeficiency, HIV viral load, and combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in the onset of individual cancers have rarely been examined. We examined the effect of these factors on the risk of specific cancers in patients infected with HIV-1.

METHODS

We investigated the incidence of both AIDS-defining cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung cancer, liver cancer, and anal cancer) in 52 278 patients followed up in the French Hospital Database on HIV cohort during 1998-2006 (median follow-up 4.9 years, IQR 2.1-7.9; 255 353 person-years). We tested 78 models with different classifications of immunodeficiency, viral load, and cART with Poisson regression.

FINDINGS

Current CD4 cell count was the most predictive risk factor for all malignancies apart from anal cancer. Compared with patients with CD4 count greater than 500 cells per microL, rate ratios (RR) ranged from 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.7) for CD4 counts 350-499 cells per microL to 25.2 (17.1-37.0) for counts less than 50 cells per microL for Kaposi's sarcoma (p<0.0001), from 1.3 (0.9-2.0) to 14.8 (9.7-22.6) for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (p<0.0001), from 1.2 (0.7-2.2) to 5.4 (2.4-12.1) for Hodgkin's lymphoma (p<0.0001), from 2.2 (1.3-3.6) to 8.5 (4.3-16.7) for lung cancer (p<0.0001), and from 2.0 (0.9-4.5) to 7.6 (2.7-20.8) for liver cancer (p<0.0001). For cervical cancer, we noted a strong effect of current CD4 (RR 0.7 per log(2), 95% CI 0.6-0.8; p=0.0002). The risk of Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma increased for current plasma HIV RNA greater than 100 000 copies per mL compared with patients with controlled viral load (RR 3.1, 95% CI 2.3-4.2, p<0.0001; and 2.9, 2.1-3.9, p<0.0001, respectively), whereas cART was independently associated with a decreased incidence (0.3, 0.2-0.4, p<0.0001; and 0.8, 0.6-1.0, p=0.07, respectively). The RR of cervical cancer for those receiving cART was 0.5 (0.3-0.9; p=0.03). The risk of anal cancer increased with the time during which the CD4 count was less than 200 cells per microL (1.3 per year, 1.2-1.5; p=0.0001), and viral load was greater than 100 000 copies per mL (1.2 per year, 1.1-1.4, p=0.005).

INTERPRETATION

cART would be most beneficial if it restores or maintains CD4 count above 500 cells per microL, thereby indicating an earlier diagnosis of HIV infection and an earlier treatment initiation. Cancer-specific screening programmes need to be assessed in patients with HIV.

FUNDING

Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les hépatites (ANRS), INSERM, and the French Ministry of Health.

Cancer risk in HIV-infected persons: influence of CD4(+) count

Persons infected with HIV are at increased risk for all cancers known or suspected to have an infectious cause, an effect believed to be primarily mediated by lowered host immunity via the depletion of CD4(+) cells. Whereas Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma were recognised as AIDS-defining illnesses early in the HIV epidemic, the influence of declining CD4(+) count on other infection-related cancers has taken longer to establish, undoubtedly because the association is weaker and the dose-response relationship is less steep. However, following improved survival made possible by combined antiretroviral therapy, declining CD4(+) count starts showing an impact on the natural history of various carcinogenic infections and on the risk for an increasingly wide range of cancers, including Hodgkin lymphoma, cervical, anal and liver cancers.

Early antiretroviral therapy: the role of cohorts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the data that contribute to the debate on the optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected individuals, with a focus on the information that is available from cohort studies.

RECENT FINDINGS

The findings from cohort studies generally support initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy at CD4 cell counts more than 350 cells/microl. In particular, the findings that death rates among treated HIV-infected individuals are higher than those in the general population, and that the risks of AIDS and serious non-AIDS events are higher in those with lower CD4 cell counts (even when the count remains >350 cells/microl), suggest that earlier initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy may prevent some excess morbidity and mortality. However, given the lack of adjustment for lead-time bias in many analyses, the potential for residual confounding and the possible incomplete ascertainment of relevant outcomes in cohorts, it cannot be concluded that the benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy when started at higher CD4 cell counts will outweigh the possible detrimental effects.

SUMMARY

Whereas the data from cohort studies currently support initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy at CD4 cell counts more than 350 cells/microl, there is an urgent need for data from randomized trials to inform this decision.

What types of cancers are associated with immune suppression in HIV? Lessons from solid organ transplant recipients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To examine recently published evidence of cancer risk after solid organ transplantation to gain insight into cancers that are associated with immune suppression in HIV.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data from several population-based studies comparing cancer risk in recipients of solid organ transplants with that in the general population have demonstrated increased risk for a broad range of cancers, predominantly those with a known or suspected infectious cause. This increase in risk is independent of cohort aging and probably independent of established behavioral and other risk factors for cancer. Epidemiological risk factor data are limited but appear to indicate a relationship with severity and duration of immune suppression. A recent meta-analysis indicates a striking similarity in the pattern of cancer occurrence in transplant recipients and people with HIV/AIDS.

SUMMARY

The similarity of the increased risk of cancer in these two immunosuppressed populations, who differ with respect to their underlying conditions and lifestyles, is compelling evidence that these cancers are associated with immune deficiency. The mechanisms are not fully understood but appear to be related to impaired immune surveillance. These data challenge the classification of only a narrow range of cancers as associated with immune suppression in people with HIV/AIDS.

Do antiretrovirals reduce the risk of non-AIDS-defining malignancies?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

There is an increasing burden of non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADMs) in the antiretroviral therapy (ART) era. The recent literature is reviewed with respect to NADM risk, ART use, and immune function.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have increasingly focused on individual ART use, CD4 T-cell counts, and the risk of NADMs. Certain NADMs have been shown to have a reduced risk with ART use including liver, breast, colorectal, and lung cancers. NADMs associated with immunosuppression included Hodgkin's lymphoma, oral/pharynx, lung, anal, and colorectal cancers. Despite the potential protective effect of ART on some NADMs, recent studies evaluating calendar era trends have noted an increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma and anal cancer and no change in risk for lung cancer in the ART era.

SUMMARY

Successful ART use and improvements in immune function for HIV-infected persons may reduce the risk of certain NADMs. However, a continued high risk in the ART era for certain cancers have been observed, including Hodgkin's lymphoma and anal cancers. Future studies should monitor trends in NADMs in HIV-infected persons in the ART era, as well as changes in the prevalence of risk factors, coinfections, and screening practices in this population.

Should HIV therapy be started at a CD4 cell count above 350 cells/microl in asymptomatic HIV-1-infected patients?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The aim is to review the available data that contribute to the debate on the optimal time to initiate highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-infected individuals with a CD4 cell count more than 350 cells/microl.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although few randomized data exist that can contribute to this debate, a number of findings from observational studies generally support earlier initiation of HAART. In particular, the findings that death rates remain higher in HIV-infected individuals than in uninfected individuals, even when successfully treated, and that both AIDS and several serious non-AIDS events are more common in those with a lower CD4 cell count (even when this count is above 350 cells/microl), suggest that earlier initiation of HAART may prevent much of the excess morbidity and mortality that remains in this patient group.

SUMMARY

Currently, the data would generally support initiation of HAART in patients with CD4 cell counts more than 350 cells/microl. However, given the strong potential for confounding in observational studies and the lack of adjustment for lead-time bias in many analyses, it is not possible to rule out possible long-term detrimental effects of earlier use of HAART until the results from fully powered randomized trials that directly address this issue become available.

Hodgkin lymphoma in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) risk is elevated among persons infected with HIV (PHIV) and has been suggested to have increased in the era of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Among 14,606 PHIV followed more than 20 years in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS), determinants of HL were investigated using 2 different approaches, namely, a cohort and nested case-control study, estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and matched odds ratios, respectively. Forty-seven incident HL cases occurred during 84,611 person-years of SHCS follow-up. HL risk was significantly higher among men having sex with men (HR vs intravenous drug users = 2.44, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13-5.24) but did not vary by calendar period (HR for 2002-2007 vs 1995 or earlier = 0.65, 95% CI, 0.29-1.44) or cART use (HR vs nonusers = 1.02, 95% CI, 0.53-1.94). HL risk tended to increase with declining CD4(+) cell counts, but these differences were not significant. A lower CD4(+)/CD8(+) ratio at SHCS enrollment or 1 to 2 years before HL diagnosis, however, was significantly associated with increased HL risk. In conclusion, HL risk does not appear to be increasing in recent years or among PHIV using cART in Switzerland, and there was no evidence that HL risk should be increased in the setting of improved immunity.

CD4 counts and the risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in individuals with HIV in the UK

Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy, there has been a decline in the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma among HIV-infected individuals. We described trends in the incidence of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the UK CHIC Study from 1996-2006 and evaluated the association between immunosuppression and development of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: 286/23,155 (1.2%) individuals developed an AIDS-defining lymphoma (258 systemic). Younger age, receipt of highly active antiretroviral therapy and later calendar year were all independently associated with a reduced risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. A lower latest CD4 count was strongly associated with systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in patients who had (RR per log(2)(cells/mm(3)) higher: 0.62) and had not (0.70) received highly active antiretroviral therapy. Associations with other measures of immunosuppression, including nadir CD4 count, experience and duration of severe immunosuppression, were generally weaker. Earlier highly active anti-retroviral therapy initiation and wider access to HIV testing is advocated to reduce the risk of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Pattern of cancer risk in persons with AIDS in Italy in the HAART era

A record-linkage study was carried out between the Italian AIDS Registry and 24 Italian cancer registries to compare cancer excess among persons with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996. Standardised incidence ratios (SIR) were computed in 21951 AIDS cases aged 16–69 years reported between 1986 and 2005. Of 101 669 person-years available, 45 026 were after 1996. SIR for Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma greatly decreased in 1997–2004 compared with 1986–1996, but high SIRs for KS persisted in the increasingly large fraction of PWHA who had an interval of <1 year between first HIV-positive test and AIDS diagnosis. A significant excess of liver cancer (SIR=6.4) emerged in 1997–2004, whereas the SIRs for cancer of the cervix (41.5), anus (44.0), lung (4.1), brain (3.2), skin (non-melanoma, 1.8), Hodgkin lymphoma (20.7), myeloma (3.9), and non-AIDS-defining cancers (2.2) were similarly elevated in the two periods. The excess of some potentially preventable cancers in PWHA suggests that HAART use must be accompanied by cancer-prevention strategies, notably antismoking and cervical cancer screening programmes. Improvements in the timely identification of HIV-positive individuals are also a priority in Italy to avoid the adverse consequences of delayed HAART use.

Smoke and mirrors: HIV-related lung cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has dramatically reduced AIDS-related illnesses and increased life expectancy for people living with HIV infection. At the same time, non-AIDS-defining cancers are becoming an increasing problem and now account for a large proportion of HIV-related deaths. Perhaps the most important and controversial of these is HIV-related lung cancer. There are a number of unresolved issues surrounding this illness, which are the subject of this review.

RECENT FINDINGS

Smoking does not account for all of the increase in the incidence of lung cancer seen in HIV patients. Other factors accounting for the increased incidence remain undefined. Highly active antiretroviral therapy may not have had a beneficial effect on either the incidence or outcome of the disease, which needs further investigation. Early diagnosis and offering these patients potentially curative therapy wherever appropriate is of utmost importance.

SUMMARY

HIV-related lung cancer is becoming an increasingly important problem as patients are living longer with HIV infection.

Evolving epidemiology of malignancies in HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Morbidity and mortality related to malignancy are increasing in HIV-infected patients. We aim at reviewing the literature on recent changes in the incidence of AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining malignancies and the specific characteristics of the main cancers emerging in HIV-infected patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Currently, malignancies are the most frequent underlying cause of death (around one-third) of HIV-infected patients. Since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma and cerebral lymphoma (among AIDS-defining cancers) decreased in parallel with AIDS-defining infections, whereas the incidence of systemic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and cervical cancer decreased less than others and remains higher in HIV-infected patients than in the general population. The most recent and large studies have also shown a 1.7-3-fold higher risk of developing non-AIDS malignancies in HIV-infected patients as compared with the general population without a significant impact of combination antiretroviral therapy on these trends. These malignancies include Hodgkin's disease, lung, anal, head and neck cancers, hemopathies, and conjunctival cancers. In addition, the poorer prognosis reported in HIV-infected patients affected by malignancies might be interpreted as a consequence of late screening or immunosuppression.

SUMMARY

Prevention and screening management procedures need to be assessed on the basis of specific evidence-based studies in the HIV-infected population. Interventions, known to be efficacious in other populations, should systematically be used or adapted if necessary (alcohol and tobacco cessation programs and viral coinfection management). The respective role of HIV itself, immunosuppression, and antiretrovirals as pro-oncogenic factors need to be further examined.

Validation of a hierarchical deterministic record-linkage algorithm using data from 2 different cohorts of human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons and mortality databases in Brazil

Loss to follow-up is a major source of bias in cohorts of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and could lead to underestimation of mortality. The authors developed a hierarchical deterministic linkage algorithm to be used primarily with cohorts of HIV-infected persons to recover vital status information for patients lost to follow-up. Data from patients known to be deceased in 2 cohorts in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and data from the Rio de Janeiro State mortality database for 1999-2006 were used to validate the algorithm. A fully automated procedure yielded a sensitivity of 92.9% and specificity of 100% when no information was missing. When the automated procedure was combined with clerical review, in a scenario of 5% death prevalence and 20% missing mothers' names, sensitivity reached 96.5% and specificity 100%. In a practical application, the algorithm significantly increased death rates and decreased the rate of loss to follow-up in the cohorts. The finding that 23.9% of matched records did not give HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome as the cause of death reinforces the need to search all-cause mortality databases and alerts for possible underestimation of death rates. These results indicate that the algorithm is accurate enough to recover vital status information on patients lost to follow-up in cohort studies.

Kaposi sarcoma incidence in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study before and after highly active antiretroviral therapy

Between 1984 and 2006, 12 959 people with HIV/AIDS (PWHA) in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study contributed a total of 73 412 person-years (py) of follow-up, 35 551 of which derived from PWHA treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Five hundred and ninety-seven incident Kaposi sarcoma (KS) cases were identified of whom 52 were among HAART users. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI). Kaposi sarcoma incidence fell abruptly in 1996-1998 to reach a plateau at 1.4 per 1000 py afterwards. Men having sex with men and birth in Africa or the Middle East were associated with KS in both non-users and users of HAART but the risk pattern by CD4 cell count differed. Only very low CD4 cell count (<50 cells microl(-1)) at enrollment or at HAART initiation were significantly associated with KS among HAART users. The HR for KS declined steeply in the first months after HAART initiation and continued to be low 7-10 years afterwards (HR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.02-0.17). Thirty-three out of 52 (63.5%) KS cases among HAART users arose among PWHA who had stopped treatment or used HAART for less than 6 months.