Hodgkin's disease and human immunodeficiency virus infection: clinicopathologic and virologic features of 114 patients from the Italian Cooperative Group on AIDS and Tumors

Intracerebral progression of Hodgkin lymphoma in a man with HIV

Intracerebral relapse of Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare occurrence, with a reported incidence of < 0.5%. To the best of our knowledge, only 4 cases have been reported in the literature. We report the case of a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive man with disseminated Hodgkin lymphoma who presented with left facial weakness and sensory abnormalities as the only symptoms of disease progression 3 months after chemotherapy-induced disease remission. Because of the relative rarity of the condition, there are no randomized controlled trials or evidence-based strategies for managing patients with HIV and intracerebral Hodgkin lymphoma. The diagnostic difficulty of this case emphasizes the necessity for a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis of HIV-associated intracerebral lymphoma in the appropriate clinical setting. In the post-genomic era, the development of sophisticated clinical and/or molecular biomarkers could contribute to earlier diagnosis and potentially improve disease prognosis.

Cancer and viral infections in immunocompromised individuals

Over the last 30 years, the increasing use of organ and stem cell transplantation and the AIDS epidemic have led to the realization that some, but not all, human cancers occur more frequently in immunosuppressed individuals. With the notable exception of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), most tumors that show strongly increased incidence rates in both transplant recipients and AIDS patients have been found to have a viral etiology. Among these are Kaposi sarcoma, diffuse large cell B-cell lymphoma, cervical cancer, liver cancer, Merkel cell carcinoma and a subset of Hodgkin's disease. A viral etiology for NMSC, i.e., beta- and gamma-subtypes of human papillomavirus, has been suggested and investigated for many years, but remains controversial. In addition, the moderately increased incidence rates of several other cancers in immunosuppressed individuals (e.g., Vajdic and van Leeuwen, Int J Cancer, in press) could indicate that additional infectious causes for at least some human cancers remain to be discovered. The controversy surrounding the role of cutaneous papillomavirus subtypes in the pathogenesis of NMSC illustrates the difficulties encountered when weighing the epidemiological and molecular biology evidence arguing for an involvement of highly prevalent viruses in certain types of cancer.

High-dose therapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation as salvage treatment for AIDS-related lymphoma: long-term results of the Italian Cooperative Group on AIDS and Tumors (GICAT) study with analysis of prognostic factors

After the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), intensive treatment, including high-dose therapy (HDT) and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT), has become feasible in HIV-positive patients with Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin (NHL) lymphoma. Herein, we report the long-term results, on an intention-to-treat basis, of a prospective study on HDT and PBSCT in 50 HIV-positive HAART-responding patients with refractory/relapsed lymphoma. After debulking therapy, 2 patients had early toxic deaths, 10 had chemoresistant disease, 6 failed stem cell mobilization, 1 refused collection, and 4 progressed soon after PBSC harvest. Twenty-seven actually received transplant. Twenty-one patients are alive and disease-free after a median follow-up of 44 months (OS, 74.6%; PFS, 75.9%). Only lymphoma response significantly affected OS after transplantation. In multivariate analyses both lymphoma stage and low CD4 count negatively influenced the possibility to receive transplant. Median OS of all 50 eligible patients was 33 months (OS, 49.8%; PFS, 48.9%). Low CD4 count, marrow involvement, and poor performance status independently affected survival. PBSCT is a highly effective salvage treatment for chemosensitive AIDS-related lymphoma. It seems rational to explore its use earlier during the course of lymphoma to increase the proportion of patients who can actually receive transplant.

Stem cell transplantation in HIV-infected patients

Lymphoma remains a leading cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. In the HIV-negative setting, high-dose therapy with autologous stem cell transplantation has been a long accepted treatment for certain malignancies such as lymphoma and leukemia. Early transplant trials excluded older patients and patients with comorbidities such as HIV infection. The procedure-related mortality of transplantation, however, has decreased both due to the use of peripheral blood stem cells instead of bone marrow and due to the use of new reduced intensity conditioning regimens. During this same era, the treatment of HIV infection has also become more effective. Patients are no longer dying of opportunistic infections and in addition, their hematologic function has improved. With these advances in HIV therapy, it is possible for HIV-infected patients to mobilize an adequate number of stem cells for an autologous transplant. In addition, with appropriate antiretroviral therapy and infection prophylaxis, the HIV-infected patient can tolerate intensive doses of chemotherapy. This review will summarize clinical trials of autologous stem cell transplantation in HIV-positive patients. Furthermore, the field of solid-organ transplantation has grown to also include HIV-positive patients. The challenges in solid-organ transplantation are similar to allogeneic stem cell transplantation, namely that patients require chronic immunosuppression. This article will also review some of the approaches to allogeneic stem cell transplantation in the HIV-positive patient and provide a rationale for the broader use of stem cell transplantation for appropriate HIV-related hematologic malignancies.

Evolving spectrum and incidence of non-AIDS-defining malignancies

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Non-AIDS defining cancer (NADC) has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in the HIV-infected population. Insight into the incidence, spectrum, risk factors, management, and outcome of these cancers has continued to emerge. The recent literature on this topic is reviewed.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent studies have explored the shifting spectrum of NADC in both developed and underdeveloped regions of the world. Investigators have shown only a minor difference in the geographic spectrum of NADC. Although several NADC have continued to occur at rates significantly higher than expected, a noticeable decline was observed in other cancers despite antiretroviral therapy. Factors other than HIV and immunosuppression proved to be important in the risk, treatment response, and outcome of these neoplasms. Studies dealing with the management of several NADC were published, including the role of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

SUMMARY

An increased overall relative risk of developing NADC continues to be reported in the HIV-infected population worldwide. The development of NADC appears to be multifactorial. Although control of HIV viremia has proven to be beneficial, the impact of HAART on NADC incidence rates and survival is not uniform. Further effort is needed to resolve the direct and indirect effects of HIV on NADC in order to guide effective prevention and treatment strategies of these malignancies.

HIV-associated lymphomas and gamma-herpesviruses

Among the most common HIV-associated lymphomas are Burkitt lymphoma (BL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) with immunoblastic-plasmacytoid differentiation (also involving the central nervous system). Lymphomas occurring specifically in HIV-positive patients include primary effusion lymphoma (PEL) and its solid variants, plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity type and large B-cell lymphoma arising in Kaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated multicentric Castleman disease. These lymphomas together with BL and DLBCL with immunoblastic-plasmacytoid differentiation frequently carry EBV infection and display a phenotype related to plasma cells. EBV infection occurs at different rates in different lymphoma types, whereas KSHV is specifically associated with PEL, which usually occurs in the setting of profound immunosuppression. The current knowledge about HIV-associated lymphomas can be summarized in the following key points: (1) lymphomas specifically occurring in patients with HIV infection are closely linked to other viral diseases; (2) AIDS lymphomas fall in a spectrum of B-cell differentiation where those associated with EBV or KSHV commonly exhibit plasmablastic differentiation; and (3) prognosis for patients with lymphomas and concomitant HIV infection could be improved using better combined chemotherapy protocols incorporating anticancer treatments and antiretroviral drugs.

Generating functional CD8+ T cell memory response under transient CD4+ T cell deficiency: implications for vaccination of immunocompromised individuals

Studies based on either MHC class II-knockout or CD4+ T cell-depleted murine models have demonstrated a critical role for CD4+ T cells in the generation of CD8+ T cell memory. However, it is difficult to extend these findings to immunocompromised humans where a complete loss of CD4+ T cells is rarely observed. Here, we have developed a model setting, which allows studies on the generation of CD8+ T cell memory responses in a transient CD4+ T cell-deficient setting similar to that seen in immunocompromised patients. Immunisation with an adenoviral vaccine under transient helpless or help-deficient conditions showed varying degrees of impact on the priming of CD8+ T cell responses. Antigen-specific T cells generated under normal CD4+ T cell help and transient help-deficient conditions showed similar effector phenotype and were capable of proliferation upon secondary antigen encounter. Most importantly, in spite of CD4+ T cell deficiency, the long-term CD8+ T cell memory response remained functionally stable and showed comparable cytotoxic effector function as seen in CD8+ T cells generated with normal CD4+ T cell numbers. These findings provide evidence that in spite of partially impaired activation of a primary CD8+ T cell response, a fully functional and stable memory CTL response can be induced under conditions of severe transient CD4+ T cell deficiency.

Characteristics and outcome of AIDS-related Hodgkin lymphoma before and after the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

We analyzed survival, therapeutic response, and prognostic factors in patients with HIV-related Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) treated or not with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

This study included 104 patients with HL, treated (n = 83) or not (n = 21) with HAART. Outcomes and prognostic factors of complete remission (CR), overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed by an intention-to-treat analysis of all patients who received at least 1 chemotherapy course.

RESULTS

No differences were found between groups at baseline in the specific characteristics of HIV and HL. The proportion of patients receiving appropriate-for-stage therapy for HL was similar for both groups. The CR rates in the HAART (-) and HAART (+) groups were 14 (70%) of 20 versus 71 (91%) of 78 (P = 0.023). The median OS in the HAART (-) group was 39 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0 to 89) and was not reached in the HAART (+) group (P = 0.0089). The median DFS in the HAART (-) group was 85 months (95% CI: 73 to 97) and was not reached in the HAART (+) group (P = 0.129). Factors independently associated with CR by logistic regression analysis were appropriate-for-stage therapy of HL, HAART, and baseline CD4 count > or =100 cells/microL. CR was the only factor independently associated with OS by Cox regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The achievement of CR was independently associated with appropriate-for-stage therapy for HL, with HAART, and with a baseline CD4 count > or =100 cells/microL. The only variable independently associated with OS was the achievement of CR.

Intracranial Hodgkin's lymphoma in an HIV positive patient

Intracranial Hodgkin's lymphoma (ICHL) in the HIV positive population is a rarely reported event with only three prior cases reported in the literature. In these prior reports, the outcome of the patients was uncertain or very poor. We report here the case of an HIV seropositive patient with an isolated intracranial recurrence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) who achieved long-term control of his cranial disease and continues to have a high performance status more than 3 years following treatment.

Challenging Problems: Coincident Pregnancy, HIV Infection, and Older Age

With the application of modern chemotherapy and radiation techniques, most patients with Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured, regardless of initial extent of disease. However, the lymphoma sometimes presents coincident with certain other major conditions, including pregnancy, infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or older age, which complicate treatment and make management considerably more challenging. Specially crafted approaches to staging and treatment, including the addition of specific supportive care measures, are required in these situations. Pregnant patients with coincident Hodgkin lymphoma should be staged without the use of imaging requiring radiation and treated with an approach that includes initial treatment deferral when appropriate, single agent vinblastine and reservation of multi-agent chemotherapy for the small minority with very aggressive lymphoma. Patients with Hodgkin lymphoma and HIV infection can be given standard anti-lymphoma treatment but require intensive supportive care with highly active anti-retroviral treatment (HAART) and prophylactic anti-fungal and anti-Pneumocystis antibiotics plus neutrophil growth factors. Standard staging and full dose multi-agent chemotherapy are necessary if older patients with Hodgkin lymphoma are to be afforded the best chance of cure but the final choice of the individual elements of treatment must respect co-morbid conditions and age- or other disease-related organ compromise. If appropriately chosen, these special measures permit delivery of safe, effective treatment and frequent cure of the Hodgkin lymphoma despite complicating pregnancy, HIV infection or older age.

Interventions for treating AIDS-associated Hodgkin s lymphoma in treatment-naive adults

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is the most common non-AIDS-defining malignancy in HIV-infected patients. Its unusually aggressive tumour behaviour includes a higher frequency of unfavourable histologic subtypes, high-stage and extranodal involvement by the time of presentation (anal canal, stomach), and poor therapeutic outcome, in comparison with HD outside the HIV setting. The optimal therapeutic strategy is still controversial, and median overall survival is short, ranging from 12 to 18 months. Thus, there is a need to identify the efficacy and safety of different interventions for AIDS-associated HD on overall survival and disease-free survival in treatment-naive adults with AIDS.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of different interventions for treating AIDS-associated Hodgkin's disease including chemotherapy, bone marrow transplantation (BMT), and gene therapy on overall survival and disease-free survival in treatment-naive adults with AIDS.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched The Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group Trials Register (September 2006), which comprises references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and handsearching of relevant journals and abstract books of conference proceedings. We also searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2006), MEDLINE (1966 to September 2006), EMBASE (1974 to September 2006) LILACS (1982 to September 2006), ISI Web of Knowledge (1993 to September 2006), and AIDSearch (1980 to December 2006). Date of most recent search: December 2006.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We searched for published or unpublished randomised controlled trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We intended to summarise data by standard Cochrane Collaboration methodologies, but no eligible randomised controlled trials were identified.

MAIN RESULTS

We were unable to find any randomised controlled trials of interventions for treating AIDS-associated HD in treatment-naive adults with AIDS.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Randomised controlled trials are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of interventions for treating AIDS-associated HD in treatment-naive adults with AIDS.

Hodgkin Lymphoma Among Patients Infected with HIV in Post-HAART Era

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin lymphoma is considered a common type of non-AIDS defining tumor among patients infected with HIV, commonly presenting as a widespread disease and with different pathologic features compared with Hodgkin lymphoma in the general population. Despite that, the best treatment option is undefined.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The authors present a retrospective study of 31 patients with Hodgkin lymphoma-HIV attended at 3 Brazilian centers, 2 of them considered reference centers for HIV treatment. Chemotherapy schemes used were ABVD (doxorubicin/bleomycin/vinblastine/dacarbazine) or hybrid MOPP-ABV (mechlorethamine/vincristine/procarbazine/prednisone-doxorubicin/bleomycin/vinblastine), with prophylactic granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.

RESULTS

Treatment response could be evaluated in 22 patients (70.9%) who completed initial treatment: 20 (91%) reached complete remission, 1 had partial remission, and 1 did not exhibit a response. The overall response rate was 95.5% (95% confidence interval, 91.2%-99.8%). After a median follow-up of 3 years, the overall survival (OS) rate among all patients was 80.3%; median OS was not reached. On univariate analysis, only CD4 cell count at diagnosis was significantly related to survival.

CONCLUSION

This retrospective study shows that for patients with Hodgkin lymphoma development in the HIV setting in these 3 Brazilian centers, there was high complete remission and satisfactory OS rates, comparable with results found for Hodgkin lymphoma in patients without HIV.

AIDS malignancies

Among individuals with HIV-infection, coinfection with oncogenic viruses including EBV, HHV-8, and HPV cause significant cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It is clear that these viruses interact with HIV in unique ways that predispose HIV-infected individuals to malignant diseases. In general, treatment directed specifically against these viruses does not appear to change the natural history of the malignant disease, and once the malignancy develops, if their health permits, HIV-infected patients should be treated using similar treatment protocols to HIV-negative patients. However, for the less frequent HIV-related malignancies, such as PEL, or MCD, optimal treatments are still emerging. For certain AIDS-defining malignancies, it is clear that the widespread access to HAART has significantly decreased the incidence, and improved outcomes. However, for other cancers, such as the HPV-related tumors, the role of HAART is much less clear. Further research into prevention and treatment of these oncogenic virally mediated AIDS-related malignancies is necessary.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) improves survival in HIV-associated Hodgkin's disease: results of a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the outcome of Hodgkin's disease (HD) in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with respect to the use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This cohort study included patients with HIV-HD diagnosed from June 1984 to February 2004. Patients treated in the pre-HAART era (1984-1996) were compared with those belonging to the HAART era (1997-2004).

RESULTS

Of 66 patients with HIV-HD, 47 (71%) presented with stage III/IV disease and 38 patients (58%) with an AIDS-defining illness. Fifty-nine of 66 patients (89.4%) underwent curative intended chemotherapy. Patients receiving HAART (n = 34) had a significantly better 2-year overall survival (OS) than those not receiving HAART (74% versus 30%, P <0.001). The 2-year OS of HAART-responders was 88% compared with 19% in patients without HAART-response (P = 0.0002). By multivariate analysis patients without HAART had a 5.6-fold higher risk for 3-year mortality [HR 5.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.20-14.26]. Three-year mortality was significantly higher in patients without complete remission (HR 4.40, CI 1.77-10.99), with stage III/IV HD (HR 4.64, CI 1.31-16.49) and with CD4 cells <200/microl (HR 2.69, CI 0.99-7.33).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of HAART significantly improved the overall survival in patients with HIV-HD.

Management of Hodgkin lymphoma

Approximately 7350 new cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are diagnosed annually in the United States. The Incidence of HL has a bimodal pattern, with the highest incidence seen in young adults and in elderly patients. The disease is composed of 2 distinct entities: the more commonly diagnosed classical HL and the rare nodular lymphocyte-predominant HL. Classical HL includes the subgroups nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte depletion, and lymphocyte rich. Selection of the appropriate therapy Is based on accurately assessing the stage of disease. Patients with early-stage disease are treated with combined modality strategies using abbreviated courses of combination chemotherapy followed by Involved-field radiation therapy, whereas those with advanced-stage disease receive a longer course of chemotherapy without radiation therapy. Currently, more than 80% of all patients with newly diagnosed HL are expected to be long-term survivors. Although many patients respond well to initial therapies and have durable long-term remissions, a subset of patients has resistant disease and experiences relapse even after subsequent high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. New therapies are clearly needed for these patients.

AIDS-related malignancies: emerging challenges in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients are at increased risk of developing cancer, particularly in the later stages of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite the advent of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART), malignancy in this population is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) and AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (ARL) are the most common AIDS-defining malignancies. AIDS-related KS varies from minimal to fulminant disease. Treatment decisions for AIDS-related KS are guided largely by the presence and extent of symptomatic disease. In addition to HAART, excellent treatments exist for both localized disease (topical gel, radiotherapy, and intralesional therapy) and advanced disease (liposomal anthracyclines, paclitaxel). Novel therapies that have become available to treat AIDS-related KS include angiogenesis inhibitors and antiviral agents. ARL comprises a heterogeneous group of malignancies. With the immune restoration afforded by HAART, standard-dose chemotherapies now can be safely administered to treat ARL with curative intent. The role of analogous treatments used in HIV-negative patients, including monoclonal antibodies and autologous stem cell transplantation, requires further clarification in HIV-positive patients. HIV-infected patients also appear to be at increased risk for developing certain non-AIDS-defining cancers, such as Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma. Although the optimal treatment of these neoplasms is at present uncertain, recent advances in chemotherapy, antiretroviral drugs, and supportive care protocols are allowing for more aggressive management of many of the AIDS-related cancers. This article provides an up-to-date review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of various AIDS-related malignancies that are likely to be encountered by an oncologist practicing in the current HAART era.

[Cancer and HIV infection: any association?]

PURPOSE

Morbidity and mortality related to neoplasia are increasing in HIV-infected patients. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY-POINTS: The incidence of AIDS opportunistic infections dramatically decreased since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Among AIDS-cancers, the incidences of Kaposi sarcoma and of cerebral lymphoma decreased in a same way than AIDS infections but the incidences of systemic non-Hodgkin lymphoma and of cervical cancer decreased less than the others and remain higher than in the general population. This suggests that other factors than the quantitative immune reconstitution could be implicated. The most recent and large studies have also shown a 1.7 to 3 fold increased risk of developing non-AIDS cancers in HIV-infected patients when compared to the general population without significant impact of HAART on incidence curves. These malignancies include Hodgkin disease, lung, anal, head and neck cancers, hemopathies, and conjunctival cancers.

PERSPECTIVES

Epidemiologic survey will help to define priorities in terms of prevention and screening in this specific population and to evaluate interventions which should be systematically proposed (alcohol and tobacco cessation programs, viral coinfection). The own roles of HIV itself and of antiretrovirals as prooncogenic factors need to be assessed.

State-of-the-art therapeutics: Hodgkin's lymphoma

Presently Hodgkin's lymphoma can be cured in at least 80% of patients. The major challenge to the clinician in 2005 is how to cure the disease while inducing the least irreversible toxicity. This review focuses on clinical trials and institutional experiences to identify the best choice of treatment, individualized to the stage of the lymphoma permitting minimization of late toxicity such as infertility, premature menopause, cardiac disease, and most importantly, risk of second neoplasms. More than 90% of patients with limited Hodgkin's lymphoma can be cured with either short-course chemotherapy alone or even briefer chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiation. Accumulating evidence suggests that chemotherapy alone is suitable for the large majority of patients with limited disease. For the 80% of patients with advanced disease but without a large number of adverse prognostic factors, standard multi-agent chemotherapy with the well-established ABVD regimen (doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine) provides the best balance of effectiveness and minimization of toxicity. More intensified regimens currently under investigation are appropriate for the 20% with numerous adverse prognostic factors. In 2005 it is insufficient to focus solely on cure of Hodgkin's lymphoma. The treatment program must maximize chance of cure and minimize late toxicity. Fortunately, brief chemotherapy alone or with radiation for patients with limited disease and standard ABVD chemotherapy for patients with advanced disease offer the appropriate balance of these two requirements. Patients with advanced disease plus multiple indicators of a poor prognosis and patients with disease that persists despite optimized primary treatment require specially intensified treatment.

Current trends of HIV disease of the mouth

HIV infection affects residents of all countries of the world, but the greater majority of affected individuals reside in the developing world. In the past decade there have been substantial changes in the management of HIV disease, particularly the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Such agents have reduced significantly the morbidity and mortality associated with HIV disease, however, they are not available for most HIV-infected individuals in the developing world. There is now considerable understanding of the molecular epidemiology, transmission and therapy of the common opportunistic oral infections of HIV disease, and as a consequence of improved anti-HIV strategies, the frequency and severity of oral disease associated with HIV infection have reduced considerably, although HAART may predispose to human papilloma virus infection of the mouth and potentially increase the risk of later oral squamous cell carcinoma. Despite advances in clinical care the majority of individuals with HIV disease worldwide will continue to develop oral disease, as they are resident in the developing world and do not have ready access to even simple therapies.

Latent membrane protein 1 deletion mutants accumulate in reed-sternberg cells of human immunodeficiency virus-related Hodgkin's lymphoma

The origin and biological significance of deletions at the 3' end of the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-encoded latent membrane protein 1 (LMP-1) gene are still controversial. We herein demonstrate that LMP-1 deletion mutants are highly associated with human immunodeficiency virus-related Hodgkin's lymphoma (HIV-HL) of Italian patients (29 of 31 cases; 93.5%), a phenomenon that is not due to a peculiar distribution of EBV strains in this area. In fact, although HIV-HL patients are infected by multiple EBV variants, we demonstrate that LMP-1 deletion mutants preferentially accumulate within neoplastic tissues. Subcloning and sequencing of the 3' LMP-1 ends of two HIV-HL genes in which both variants were present showed the presence of molecular signatures suggestive of a likely derivation of the LMP-1 deletion mutant from a nondeletion ancestor. This phenomenon likely occurs within tumor cells in vivo, as shown by the detection of both LMP-1 variants in single microdissected Reed-Sternberg cells, and may at least in part explain the high prevalence of LMP-1 deletions associated with HIV-HL.

Decreased number of granzyme B+ activated CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes in the inflammatory background of HIV-associated Hodgkin’s lymphoma

This study aimed to assess the differences in the cellular composition of the inflammatory reactive background around tumoral cells of classical Hodgkin's lymphomas (cHL) inside and outside the HIV settings. This retrospective study evaluates the infiltrating T lymphocytes (CD4 and CD8), natural killer cells (CD57+ cells), and more especially cytotoxic cells [granzyme B (GrB) and TIA-1+ cells] in the background of 99 EBV+ cHL. Sections from paraffin-embedded tumor samples from nine HIV-infected cHL patients were immunostained, using standard immunohistochemical protocols and were compared to a control group of 90 HIV-noninfected cHL patients. Our clinical and histological data indicate that HIV-infected cHL patients present a higher frequency of mixed cellularity (MC) histological subtypes, more advanced disease stages, a poor response to treatment, and a poor overall survival compared to control patients. In controls, CD4/CD8 and GrB/TIA-1 ratios were determined as 2:1 and 1:2, respectively. The inflammatory infiltrate of HIV-infected patients had a significant reduction of CD4+ T lymphocytes (CD4/CD8 ratio 1:23), a decrease in infiltrating GrB+ cells (activated cytotoxic cells) and an increase in infiltrating TIA+ T cells (mainly nonactivated cytotoxic cells) in these patients (GrB/TIA-1 ratio 1:12). In conclusion, this study highlights an important intratumoral loss of CD4+ T cells (striking inversion in the CD4/CD8 ratio) and a decrease in intratumoral activated cytotoxic T lymphocytes in HIV-associated cHL patients. Further studies are required to confirm these results and to determine the role of these findings on the antitumoral immune response observed in HIV-associated cHL.

Antitumour effects of antiretroviral therapy

Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with an increased risk of certain tumours, particularly Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and cervical cancer. However, the incidence of these tumours in HIV-infected patients has decreased significantly since the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This effect cannot be solely explained by the ability of these drugs to suppress HIV replication and thereby reconstitute the immune system. Recent studies have shown that inhibitors of the HIV aspartyl protease, which are widely used in HAART, have direct anti-angiogenic and antitumour effects that are unrelated to their antiviral activity. So these drugs might be used to treat cancer in patients who are not infected with HIV.

Strong impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy on survival in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-associated Hodgkin's disease

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is the most common non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. We analysed the outcome of patients with HIV-associated HD (HIV-HD) with respect to the use and efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and other prognostic factors. To evaluate the effects of several variables on overall survival (OS), Kaplan-Meier statistics and extended Cox regression analysis were performed. Response to HAART was used as a time-dependent variable and was defined as an increase of >0.1 x 10(9) CD4 cells/l and/or at least one viral load <500 copies/ml during the first 2 years following diagnosis of HIV-HD. Fifty-seven patients with HIV-HD diagnosed between 1990 and 2002 were included in the study. In the Cox model, the only factors independently associated with OS were HAART response [relative hazard (RH) 0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06-0.60], complete remission (RH 0.30, 95% CI 0.13-0.72), and age <or=45 years (RH 0.23; 95% CI 0.09-0.60). Median survival time in patients without HAART response was 18.6 months, whereas the median survival time in patients with HAART response was not reached (89% OS at 24 months). In this cohort, a significant improvement in survival was found in patients with HIV-HD who responded to HAART.

BEACOPP therapeutic regimen for patients with Hodgkin's disease and HIV infection

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin's disease (HD) is the most common non-AIDS-defining tumor diagnosed in HIV-infected patients. Antineoplastic treatment is difficult considering the underlying immunodeficiency caused by HIV itself and may increase the risk of opportunistic infections. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the chemotherapeutic regimen bleomycin, etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone (BEACOPP) in HIV-infected patients with HD (HIV-HD).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with HIV-HD were scheduled to receive six cycles of BEACOPP. Five patients received concomitant antiretroviral therapy. Two patients received additional radiotherapy. Restaging was carried out after three and six cycles of chemotherapy. CD4 counts and HIV RNA levels were regularly monitored during the course of chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Complete remission (CR) was achieved in all patients. Of 12 patients, eight patients received the intended six cycles of BEACOPP. Two patients died of opportunistic infections within the treatment period, one patient died of a relapse after 26 months. The other nine patients remain in CR for their individual follow-up period, median 49 months (range 13-108). The most commonly observed toxicity was bone marrow suppression with National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria (NCI-CTC) grade 3/4 leukopenia in 75% of all cases. The mean decline of CD4+ lymphocytes was 238 +/- 230/ micro l, with a mean recovery of 272 +/- 329/ micro l 6 months after the last cycle. Plasma levels of HIV RNA increased moderately or even declined under chemotherapy if highly active anti-retroviral therapy was given concomitantly with BEACOPP.

CONCLUSIONS

The BEACOPP regimen is feasible and highly effective in HIV-HD patients. With respect to its overall moderate toxicity, BEACOPP is a safe regimen even in the immunocompromised patient.

Treatment of human immunodeficiency virus-related lymphoma with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and its co-administration with chemotherapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related lymphoma has lead to the exploration of potentially curative combination chemotherapy and myeloablative therapy followed by autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT). Applying the same principles used for patients with HIV-negative aggressive lymphoma, in 1998 we developed a program of high-dose therapy and ASCT at City of Hope for patients with HIV-related lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease. Our studies have primarily included patients with chemosensitive lymphoma in relapse or first remission with poor-risk features at diagnosis. Filgrastim (G-CSF)-primed peripheral blood stem cell mobilization and apheresis have been successful while patients were receiving HAART and chemotherapy. To date, ASCT has been performed in 19 patients with HIV-related lymphoid malignancies, representing the largest single-institution experience reported to date. Most patients received a chemotherapy-based conditioning regimen consisting of high-dose carmustine, etoposide and cyclophosphamide. Early infections, namely bacteremias and neutropenic fever were similar to those observed in the HIV-negative transplant setting. Opportunistic infections were rare and easily treatable. There were three early deaths, two from relapsed lymphoma and one from multi-organ failure in an older patient. The remaining 16 patients are alive and in remission. In summary, ASCT is well tolerated, can result in long-term remissions, and is potentially curative in selected HIV-related lymphoma patients with chemosensitive relapse and high-risk disease in first remission defined by the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index criteria (i.e., two or three of the following: elevated LDH, advanced stage, and poor performance status). Acquisition of resistance to HAART remains as a potential problem for HIV-positive patients who are cured of their lymphoma.

High-Dose Therapy and Autologous Peripheral-Blood Stem-Cell Transplantation As Salvage Treatment for HIV-Associated Lymphoma in Patients Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Purpose: High-dose therapy (HDT) and peripheral-blood stem-cell transplantation (PBSCT) in HIV-associated lymphoma (HIV-Ly) has been recently reported in selected patients. We describe the results of a multi-institutional program of HDT and PBSCT as salvage therapy in HIV-Ly responsive to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in unselected patients.

Patients and Methods: Patients with resistant or relapsed HIV-Ly after first-line chemotherapy (CT) underwent PBSC collection after a course of second-line CT or cyclophosphamide and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor. Patients with chemotherapy-sensitive disease received carmustine, etoposide, cytarabine, and melphalan (BEAM regimen) and PBSC reinfusion. Effective HAART was maintained during the entire program.

Results: Sixteen consecutive patients entered the program. Adequate collection of PBSC was obtained in 80% of patients (median CD34+ cells 6.8 × 106/kg). Three patients had early progression. Ten patients (62%) received PBSCT with prompt engraftment in all patients (neutrophils and platelet engraftment after a median of 10 days [range, 8 to 10 days] and 13 days [range, 8 to 18 days], respectively). No patients died as a result of opportunistic or other infections or treatment-related complications. Eight of nine assessable patients achieved complete remission (one patient after radiotherapy for residual disease) and one patient achieved partial remission. Two patients experienced relapse and died at +10 and +14 months. Six patients are alive and disease free at a median of 8 months after transplantation.

Conclusion: Our data confirm that HDT plus PBSCT is feasible and active as salvage therapy in HIV-Ly on a multi-institutional basis and in unselected HAART-responding patients. HIV infection should no longer preclude the opportunity of HDT in patients with lymphoma.

Therapeutic approaches to AIDS-related malignancies

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed dramatically the landscape of HIV disease. Deaths from AIDS-related diseases have been reduced by 75% since protease inhibitor therapy and combination antiretroviral therapy came into use in late 1995. While KS is declining, the situation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more complex with a reduced incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma, but a relatively stability in the number of patients developing systemic NHL. AIDS related NHL appears not to be markedly decreased by the introduction of HAART and it is the greatest therapeutic challenge in the area of AIDS oncology. The emphasis has now shifted to cure while maintaining vigilance regarding the unique vulnerability of HIV-infected hosts. Furthermore, also for the prolongation of the survival expectancy of these patients, other non AIDS-defining tumors, such as Hodgkin's disease, anal and head and neck, lung and testicular cancer, and melanoma have been recently reported with increased frequency in patients with HIV infection.

Should HIV-positive patients with lymphoma be offered stem cell transplants?

Advances in effective antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection have made high-dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation possible in patients with HIV-associated lymphomas. Regimen-related toxicity is not significantly increased when antiretroviral therapy is combined with high-dose chemoradiotherapy. Durable engraftment can be seen with autologous stem cell rescue. Infectious complications can be managed with a combination of surveillance and prophylaxis. Long-term remissions of these high-risk lymphomas can be achieved with this approach. This suggests that patients with HIV-associated lymphomas should be considered for autologous transplantation in a manner similar to HIV-negative lymphoma patients.

Hodgkin's lymphoma as a cause of fever of unknown origin in HIV infection

The risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma is increased in HIV-infected patients. In these patients Hodgkin's lymphoma is an aggressive disease with poor clinical outcome. Complete remission and survival rates are far below that reported in HIV-uninfected population. Since the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy, malignancies are the major cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. We report a case of a 29-year-old HIV-positive male who presented with fever of unknown origin, pancytopenia, and hemophagocytic syndrome. The diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma with bone marrow involvement was made on bone marrow biopsy, 5 months after the onset of fever. The patient was treated with chemotherapy and achieved a complete remission. Relapse occurred 28 months later and he died 31 months after initial diagnosis. Prolonged fever is frequently observed in HIV-infected patients and could represent a diagnostic challenge. Infectious diseases are the most common causes, however lymphomas are the third most common cause of fever of unknown origin in HIV disease. This case illustrates the difficulties in accurately diagnosing Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients presenting with prolonged, unexplained fever, and emphasizes the use of bone marrow biopsy to confirm Hodgkin's lymphoma, particularly if cytopenia and hemophagocytic syndrome are present.

Population-based patterns of human immunodeficiency virus-related Hodgkin lymphoma in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, 1988-1998

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have not been examined in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, a center of the HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, for a decade, despite changes in AIDS-associated diseases after the availability of highly active antiretroviral therapies (HAART).

METHODS

With population-based cancer registry data for 1988-1998, the authors examined risk factors, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) association, incidence rates, and survival probabilities for 1752 patients with HL who were classified as HIV-positive or HIV-negative by a cancer registry-based method.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-eight patients with HL (7%) were classified with HIV/AIDS; 95% were male. Among males, multivariate analysis (n=514 patients) found that HIV-related HL was associated strongly at diagnosis with ages 30-49 years, San Francisco residence, late-stage disease, lymphocyte depletion and unspecified histologic subtypes, and tumor cell EBV but not with other clinical features or mixed cellularity histology. Survival among patients with HIV-related HL, although it was poor, did not differ by race/ethnicity but was worse for patients with the nonnodular sclerosis histologic subtypes. Patients who were HIV-positive with HAART era (1996-1998) diagnoses were slightly older, were less likely to live in San Francisco, and were much more likely to be Hispanic compared with HIV-positive patients who were diagnosed before the HAART era; they had somewhat less aggressive disease and better survival. Incidence rates were higher for patients with HL overall compared with patients who had HIV-unrelated HL by 11% for white patients, 22% for black patients, and by 14% for Hispanic patients; excesses were greater in young adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Among males in the San Francisco Bay Area, HIV-related HL had distinctive demographic features, more aggressive clinical characteristics, stronger EBV association, and poorer survival and contributed to elevated regional HL incidence rates, particularly in young adults. Patients with HIV-related HL who were diagnosed after HAART was introduced appeared to have less aggressive disease and better survival.

Hodgkin's disease in HIV

The outcome of patients with HIV-HD has improved with better, combined antineoplastic and antiretroviral approaches. New and effective antiretroviral drugs (ie, protease inhibitors), in conjunction with nucleoside analogs, improve the control of the underlying HIV infection when used during treatment of HD with chemotherapy. In fact, the possibility of reducing viral load to undetectable levels and increasing the CD4+ cell count reduces the risk of OIs during antineoplastic treatment. The inclusion of hematopoietic growth factors in the treatment of patients with HIV-HD may allow for the administration of higher dose-intensity chemotherapy and the prolonged use of antiretroviral drugs, with the aim of improving the survival. Finally, more effective antineoplastic regimens--such as high-dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (which is required in the case of HIV-HD, due to its aggressiveness)--should be considered to improve the response rate and disease-free survival of these patients.

HIV-related Hodgkin's disease with central nervous system involvement and association with Epstein-Barr virus

Central nervous system (CNS) involvement is a rare occurrence in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related Hodgkin's disease (HD). We report the clinical course of a patient with HIV infection who developed systemic HD, mixed cellularity subtype, later complicated by leptomeningeal involvement. The patient died from his illness, and autopsy was performed. Examining the brain lesion, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) presence was demonstrated in Reed-Sternberg cells by immunohistochemistry using an EBER probe for EBV RNA. This is the second case report in the English literature of HD involving the CNS in an HIV-positive individual, and the first demonstrating EBV presence. Extranodal presence of Hodgkin's disease in patients with HIV infection is probably related to immunosuppression, and physicians treating this illness should be alert to the potential of unusual sites of involvement.

Improved survival in HIV-related Hodgkin's lymphoma since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the evolving characteristics of HIV-related Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and survival of affected patients since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective single-institution study was performed over a 15-year follow-up period. For statistical analysis, patients were categorized into a pre-HAART period (1987-1996, n = 61) and a post-HAART period (1997-2001, n = 47).

RESULTS

HL characteristics were similar in both groups. The chemotherapy regimens used did not differ significantly, although the MOPP/ABV regimen (mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine substituted by cyclophosphamide since 2000, and prednisone /adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastin) has progressively replaced the ABVD regimen (adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastin, dacarbazine). A slight increase in the complete response rate was noted in the post-HAART population (74.5%) versus the pre-HAART population (64.5%), and the probability to relapse was not different between the two groups. Patients diagnosed since 1997 had a higher probability for prolonged survival with a median survival time not reached versus 19 months in the pre-HAART period. The estimate 2-year survival probability was 45% [95% confidence interval (CI), 32.3-57.8% in the pre-HAART period, and 62% (95% CI, 46.7-77.1%) in the post-HAART period ( P= 0.03). This decreased mortality was associated with a decrease in AIDS-associated deaths. In the post-HAART period, 12 patients were naive to any antiretroviral therapy and 31 were already on HAART at the time of HL diagnosis. Twenty of them had a plasma HIV-RNA below 500 copies/ml. The response rate and the overall survival were not statistically different in these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

HL still occurs in patients with HAART-induced HIV suppression. However, overall survival has significantly improved since the introduction of HAART.

AIDS and non-AIDS-related malignancies: a new vexing challenge in HIV-positive patients. Part I: Kaposi's sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and Hodgkin's lymphoma

HIV-infected patients are at an increased risk for developing cancers. Three, in particular, are considered to be AIDS-defining malignancies: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), and cervical cancer. Other non-AIDS-defining malignancies have been reported in the setting of HIV infection as having an increased frequency compared with their incidence in the general population. One of those most frequently reported is Hodgkin's disease. As with KS and NHL, the problem of diagnosing and treating immunocompromised patients with cancer represents a formidable challenge. Moreover, a newly discovered human gamma-herpes virus, human herpes virus-8 (HHV-8), has been identified in over 90% of KS lesions from patients with and without AIDS, suggesting its etiological importance in the development of KS and new therapeutic approaches.

Hodgkin's lymphoma: the pathologist's viewpoint

Despite its well known histological and clinical features, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has recently been the object of intense research activity, leading to a better understanding of its phenotype, molecular characteristics, histogenesis, and possible mechanisms of lymphomagenesis. There is complete consensus on the B cell derivation of the tumour in most cases, and on the relevance of Epstein-Barr virus infection and defective cytokinesis in at least a proportion of patients. The REAL/WHO classification recognises a basic distinction between lymphocyte predominance HL (LP-HL) and classic HL (CHL), reflecting the differences in clinical presentation and behaviour, morphology, phenotype, and molecular features. CHL has been classified into four subtypes: lymphocyte rich, nodular sclerosing, with mixed cellularity, and lymphocyte depleted. The borders between CHL and anaplastic large cell lymphoma have become sharper, whereas those between LP-HL and T cell rich B cell lymphoma remain ill defined. Treatments adjusted to the pathobiological characteristics of the tumour in at risk patients have been proposed and are on the way to being applied.

AIDS-related tumors: integrating antiviral and anticancer therapy

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed dramatically the landscape of HIV disease. Deaths from AIDS-related diseases have been reduced by 75% since protease inhibitor therapy and combination antiretroviral therapy came into use in late 1995. While KS is declining, the situation for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more complex with a reduced incidence of primary central nervous system lymphoma, but a relative stability in the number of patients developing systemic NHL. AIDS-related NHL appears not to be markedly decreased by the introduction of HAART and it is the greatest therapeutic challenge in the area of AIDS oncology. The emphasis has now shifted to cure while maintaining vigilance regarding the unique vulnerability of HIV-infected hosts. Furthermore, also for the prolongation of the survival expectancy of these patients, other non-AIDS-defining tumors, such as Hodgkin's disease, anal, head and neck, lung and testicular cancer, and melanoma have been recently reported with increased frequency in patients with HIV infection.

Management of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

The incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in individuals infected with HIV is approximately 60- to 100-fold increased over the general population. The majority of patients with AIDS-related lymphoma (ARL) present with stage III-IV disease and with B-symptoms. They often have multiple extranodal localisations, with a high incidence of central nervous system involvement. Histologically, most tumours are either diffuse large cell lymphomas or Burkitt lymphomas. Several factors, such as disrupted immune surveillance, Epstein-Barr virus infection, chronic antigenic stimulation, cytokine dysregulation and the acquisition of genetic lesions, are thought to contribute to the pathogenesis. Patients with ARL have a poor prognosis: overall survival ranges from 1.5 to 18 months. The most important adverse prognostic factors are poor performance status, a low CD4+ cell count and a history of opportunistic infections. Results of treatment with polychemotherapy compare unfavourably to results in patients without HIV infection. Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), there appears to be a decrease in the incidence of ARL. In addition, the use of HAART in combination with chemotherapy and the use of new treatment modalities may improve the outcome of this disease.

Update on lung disease in AIDS

Pulmonary disorders remain an important complication of HIV infection, even in the current era of potent antiretroviral therapy. Using an integrated approach that combines radiographic pattern recognition with knowledge of a patient's clinical symptoms, laboratory data, immune status level, demographic information, and drug therapy can enhance the interpretation of imaging studies in HIV-infected patients. Although chest radiography remains the mainstay of imaging the HIV-positive patient with respiratory symptoms, CT plays an increasingly important secondary role in selected cases.

Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients

INTRODUCTION

Hodgkin's disease can occur in immunocompromised patients. However, the head and neck manifestations of Hodgkin's disease in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients remain ill defined. The aim of this study was to describe Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck in HIV-infected patients and compare it with noninfected patients.

MATERIALS AND RESULTS

Sixteen patients presented with Hodgkin's disease of the head and neck to the King's County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, New York, beginning in January of 1991. Five patients were infected with HIV. Hodgkin's disease involved the head and neck regions in 90.5% of cases, occurring in 100% of HIV-infected and in 81% of noninfected patients. Manifestations of Hodgkin's disease were isolated to the head and neck region in only 20% of HIV-infected and in 27% of noninfected patients. Lymphatic structures were involved in all cases with head and neck involvement. Systemic or group B symptoms (fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss of more than 10% of normal body weight) were present in 40% of HIV-infected patients and in 27% of noninfected patients. Advanced stage disease (Stage III/IV) was diagnosed in 80% of HIV-infected patients compared with 45% of noninfected patients. The mixed cellularity subtype was most common in HIV-infected patients (75%), whereas the nodular sclerosis subtype predominated in noninfected patients (50%).

CONCLUSIONS

The data combined with our report of the literature suggest that the course, presentation, and outcome of Hodgkin's disease is markedly altered in HIV-infected patients. An aggressive approach to the diagnosis and management is suggested in this patient population.

Hodgkin disease developing in patients infected by human immunodeficiency virus results in clinical features and a prognosis similar to those in patients with human immunodeficiency virus-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Unlike aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Hodgkin disease (HD) develops rarely in patients who are infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and its characteristics are not well defined. The authors analyzed the clinicopathologic and prognostic features from a consecutive series of patients with HIV-associated HD who were observed at their institution and compared them with the features observed in a concurrent series of patients with systemic HIV-related NHL.

METHODS

Eighteen patients with HIV infection who were diagnosed and treated uniformly from 1985 to 1999 at a single primary referral center were analyzed. Their demographic, immunologic, and clinicopathologic features; responses to treatment; and outcomes were compared with those of 98 patients with systemic NHL of aggressive histology who were diagnosed during the same period and with 165 HIV negative patients with HD.

RESULTS

HIV-associated HD and NHL occurred in patients with similar age, gender, HIV risk factors, degree of immunodeficiency, and incidence of previous acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. The clinical presentation of HIV-associated HD was atypical and was more aggressive than in HIV negative patients (mediastinal involvement, 11%; Stage III-IV, 84%; B symptoms, 83%). It was similar to HIV-related NHL, except for the frequency of extralymph node disease, which was seen less frequently in patients who had HD (56%) compared with patients who had NHL (82%; P = 0.025), and the frequency of bone marrow involvement, which was unexpectedly higher in patients who had HD (50%) compared with patients who had NHL (20%; P = 0.011). Potentially curative treatment was administered to 77% of patients with HD and 66% of patients with NHL. Complete remission and disease recurrence rates as well as disease free and overall survival rates did not differ significantly, with estimated overall survival at 5 years of 24% in patients with HD and 23% in patients with NHL.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV-associated HD is an aggressive disease with demographic, clinical, and prognostic features nearly identical to those of HIV-related NHL.

Epidemiologic trends in HIV-associated lymphomas

Infection with HIV increases the risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma and, to a lesser extent, Hodgkin disease. The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996 changed the natural history of HIV disease, but the HIV-infected population also has changed in composition. Accordingly, the epidemiology of HIV-associated lymphomas now differs from that observed in the first 15 years of the HIV epidemic. In populations with access to HAART, reductions in lymphoma risk have been reported for NHL and suggested for Hodgkin disease, but long-term risks are as yet unknown. Lymphomas are increasingly common cancers in persons with HIV and are fatal in most patients, warranting continued attention to their incidence and etiology.

Epstein-Barr virus associated lymphoproliferations in the AIDS setting

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous gammaherpesvirus that is associated with a variety of malignancies. In vivo infection of B lymphocytes is initially associated with the broad expression of immunodominant viral latency genes and proliferation of infected cells. Ultimately, a viral reservoir is established in resting B cells with restricted expression of viral latency genes and no expression of immunodominant viral genes. Among the tumours associated with EBV that are relevant to a consideration of EBV in HIV-associated malignancies are posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease, Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) and Hodgkin's disease (HD). BL carries whereas EBV in only a minority of cases whereas HD in patients infected with HIV is virtually always EBV-associated. EBV-directed T cell therapies have proven effective in posttransplant lymphomas in bone marrow transplantation patients. In patients with HIV infection, primary central nervous system (CNS) and immunoblastic lymphomas show similarities with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease. EBV detection studies in cerebrospinal fluid are useful diagnostically in primary CNS lymphoma. T cell therapies may be useful in the treatment of EBV-associated lymphomas. Thus, a better understanding of the relationship between EBV and these tumours will not only help to clarify their pathogenesis, but may facilitate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Pathogenetic and histogenetic features of HIV-associated Hodgkin's disease

Compared with the cases in the general population, Hodgkin's disease (HD) arising in the HIV setting shows distinctive features in terms of epidemiology, aetiopathogenesis, histopathology and clinical behaviour. Although HD does not represent an AIDS-defining condition, recent evidence consistently indicates that HIV-infected individuals have a significantly increased risk of developing HD. HIV-related HD is characterised by the preponderance of aggressive histological subtypes, advanced stage at presentation, and highly malignant clinical course. Moreover, unlike HD in the general population, the large majority of HIV-related HD cases are pathogenetically linked to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), with rates of EBV positivity ranging from 80 to 100%. Hodgkin and Reed-Sternberg cells of these cases invariably show a strong expression of the EBV-encoded latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1), which functions as a constitutively activated tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor-like molecule. Usurpation of physiologically relevant pathways by LMP-1 may lead to the simultaneous or sequential activation of signalling pathways involved in the promotion of cell activation, growth, and survival, contributing thus to most of the features of HIV-related HD.