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

Safety and tolerability of immune checkpoint inhibitors in people with HIV infection and cancer: insights from the national prospective real-world OncoVIHAC ANRS CO24 cohort study

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been a major advance in cancer management. However, we still lack prospective real-world data regarding their usage in people with HIV infection (PWH).

METHODS

The ANRS CO24 OncoVIHAC study (NCT03354936) is an ongoing prospective observational cohort study in France of PWH with cancer treated with ICI. We assessed the incidence of grade ≥3 immune-related adverse events (irAEs). All grade ≥3 irAEs were reviewed by an event review.

RESULTS

Between January 17, 2018, and December 05, 2023, 150 participants were recruited from 33 sites and 140 were included in this analysis. At the data cut-off date of December 05, 2023, the median follow-up was 9.2 months (IQR: 3.9-18.3), with a total of 126.2 person-years.Median age was 59 years (IQR: 54-64) and 111 (79.3%) were men. Median time since HIV diagnosis was 25 years (12-31), the median duration on antiretroviral (ARV) was 19.5 years (7.7-25.4), and the CD4 nadir was 117/µL (51-240). ICI regimens comprised anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) for 111 (79.3%) participants, anti-programmed death-ligand 1 for 25 (17.9%), a combination of anti-PD-1 and anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 for 3 (2.1%), and anti-PD-1 along with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor for 1 (0.7%). The most frequent cancers were lung (n=65), head/neck (n=15), melanoma (n=12), liver (n=11) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=9).During follow-up, a total of 34 grade ≥3 irAEs occurred in 20 participants, leading to an incidence rate of 26.9 per 100 person-years. The Kaplan-Meier estimates of the proportion of participants with at least one episode of grade ≥3 irAEs were 13.8% at 6 months, 15.0% at 12 months and 18.7% at 18 months. One treatment-related death due to myocarditis was reported (0.7%). Multivariable analysis of cumulative incidence showed that participants with time since HIV diagnosis >17 years (incidence rate ratio (IRR)=4.66, p=0.002), with CD4<200 cells/µL (IRR=4.39, p<0.0001), with positive cytomegalovirus (CMV) serology (IRR=2.76, p=0.034), with history of cancer surgery (IRR=3.44, p=0.001) had a higher risk of incidence of grade ≥3 irAEs.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that the incidence of a first episode of grade ≥3 irAE was 15.0% (95% CI: 9.6% to 22.9%) at 1 year and the cumulative incidence of all severe irAE episodes was 26.9 per 100 person-years. Low CD4 count, positive CMV serology, history of cancer surgery and a longer time since HIV diagnosis were associated with the occurrence of severe irAEs.

How can we establish animal models of HIV-associated lymphoma?

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is strongly associated with a heightened incidence of lymphomas. To mirror the natural course of human HIV infection, animal models have been developed. These models serve as valuable tools to investigate disease pathobiology, assess antiretroviral and immunomodulatory drugs, explore viral reservoirs, and develop eradication strategies. However, there are currently no validated in vivo models of HIV-associated lymphoma (HAL), hampering progress in this crucial domain, and scant attention has been given to developing animal models dedicated to studying HAL, despite their pivotal role in advancing knowledge. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing animal models of HAL, which may enhance our understanding of the underlying pathogenesis and approaches for malignancies linked to HIV infection.

Still Far to Go With Characterisation of Molecular and Genetic Features of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in People Living With HIV: A Scoping Review

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for half of non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases in people living with human immunodeficiency syndrome (PLWH). The interplay of viremia, immune dysregulation and co-infection with oncogenic viruses play a role in pathogenesis of DLBCL in PLWH (HIV-DLBCL). This scoping review aimed to describe the molecular landscape of HIV-DLBCL, investigate the impact of biomarker on clinical outcomes and describe technologies used to characterise HIV-DLBCL. Thirty-two papers published between 2001 and 2023 were included in this review. Samples of HIV-DLBCL were relatively small (16-110). Cohort effects influenced frequencies of molecular characteristics hence their impact on survival was not clear. Molecular features were distinct from HIV-unrelated DLBCL. The most frequently assessed characteristic was cell of origin (81.3% of studies). Somatic mutations were the least researched (6.3% of studies). Overall, biomarker identification in HIV-DLBCL requires broader richer data from larger or pooled samples using more powerful techniques such as next-generation sequencing.

Complete response to front-line therapies is associated with long-term survival in HIV-related lymphomas in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

The prognosis for people living with HIV (PLWH) who develop lymphomas has been greatly improved by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies. However, real-world clinical data on this patient group in Asia are limited.

METHODS

Treatment outcomes were retrospectively examined for 104 PLWH with lymphomas between 2000 and 2019. The cohort comprised five PLWH with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and 99 with non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including 61 with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 19 with Burkitt lymphoma (BL), nine with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) and ten with other subtypes.

RESULTS

The 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were as follows: HL (100%), PCNSL (76.2%), other subtypes (60.0%), BL (57.4%), and DLBCL (55.6%). Individuals who achieved complete response (CR) to front-line therapies had a significantly better 5-year OS rate than those without (96.2% vs. 17.8%, p < 0.001). PLWH who received cART for ≤6 months had significantly lower CD4+ T-cell counts at lymphoma diagnosis than those who received cART for longer periods (p = 0.048). Additionally, the 5-year OS rate was better for PLWH who received cART for ≤6 months before lymphomas diagnosis than those who received cART for longer periods (64.5% vs. 51.9%, p = 0.114).

CONCLUSIONS

PLWH with DLBCL or BL had OS rates compatible to patients without HIV infection. Better outcomes for patients achieving CR to front-line therapy and those with shorter cART duration before lymphoma diagnosis suggest an underlying biological distinction in the lymphomas and the involvement of immunity, which warrants further studies.

Centrosome amplification and aneuploidy driven by the HIV-1-induced Vpr•VprBP•Plk4 complex in CD4+ T cells

HIV-1 infection elevates the risk of developing various cancers, including T-cell lymphoma. Whether HIV-1-encoded proteins directly contribute to oncogenesis remains unknown. We observe that approximately 1-5% of CD4+ T cells from the blood of people living with HIV-1 exhibit over-duplicated centrioles, suggesting that centrosome amplification underlies the development of HIV-1-associated cancers by driving aneuploidy. Through affinity purification, biochemical, and cellular analyses, we discover that Vpr, an accessory protein of HIV-1, hijacks the centriole duplication machinery and induces centrosome amplification and aneuploidy. Mechanistically, Vpr forms a cooperative ternary complex with an E3 ligase subunit, VprBP, and polo-like kinase 4 (Plk4). Unexpectedly, however, the complex enhances Plk4's functionality by promoting its relocalization to the procentriole assembly and induces centrosome amplification. Loss of either Vpr's C-terminal 17 residues or VprBP acidic region, the two elements required for binding to Plk4 cryptic polo-box, abrogates Vpr's capacity to induce these events. Furthermore, HIV-1 WT, but not its Vpr mutant, induces multiple centrosomes and aneuploidy in human primary CD4+ T cells. We propose that the Vpr•VprBP•Plk4 complex serves as a molecular link that connects HIV-1 infection to oncogenesis and that inhibiting the Vpr C-terminal motif may reduce the occurrence of HIV-1-associated cancers.

State of the science and future directions for research on HIV and cancer: Summary of a joint workshop sponsored by IARC and NCI

An estimated 38 million people live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) worldwide and are at excess risk for multiple cancer types. Elevated cancer risks in people living with HIV (PLWH) are driven primarily by increased exposure to carcinogens, most notably oncogenic viruses acquired through shared transmission routes, plus acceleration of viral carcinogenesis by HIV-related immunosuppression. In the era of widespread antiretroviral therapy (ART), life expectancy of PLWH has increased, with cancer now a leading cause of co-morbidity and death. Furthermore, the types of cancers occurring among PLWH are shifting over time and vary in their relative burden in different parts of the world. In this context, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the US National Cancer Institute (NCI) convened a meeting in September 2022 of multinational and multidisciplinary experts to focus on cancer in PLWH. This report summarizes the proceedings, including a review of the state of the science of cancer descriptive epidemiology, etiology, molecular tumor characterization, primary and secondary prevention, treatment disparities and survival in PLWH around the world. A consensus of key research priorities and recommendations in these domains is also presented.

Kaposi's Sarcoma: Evaluation of Clinical Features, Treatment Outcomes, and Prognosis in a Single-Center Retrospective Case Series

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a rare angioproliferative tumor classified in four different clinical-epidemiological forms. The diagnosis is based on histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The treatment is heterogeneous and includes several local and systemic therapeutic strategies. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study including 86 KS patients treated between 1993 and 2022 at the University Hospital of Padua (AOPD) and at the Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV). The data were extracted from an electronic database. Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and Cox regression models were employed to explore associations with overall and disease-free survival. The male sex (89.53%), classical variant (43.02%), and cutaneous involvement (77.9%) were predominant. More than 61.6% of patients received a single treatment. Surgery, antiretroviral therapy, and chemotherapy were the mostly adopted approaches. A persistent response was observed in approximately 65% of patients, with a 22% relapse rate (at least 2 years). The overall survival ranges from 90 to 70% at 2 to 10 years after the diagnosis. Iatrogenic KS demonstrated a higher mortality (52.9%). This study reflects our experience in the management of KS. Comorbidities are very frequent, and treatments are heterogeneous. A multidisciplinary approach involving multiple referral specialists is essential for the appropriate management of this disease during diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up.

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral protein kinase augments cell survival

Oncogenic viruses have developed various strategies to antagonize cell death and maintain lifelong persistence in their host, a relationship that may contribute to cancer development. Understanding how viruses inhibit cell death is essential for understanding viral oncogenesis. Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with three different cancers in the human population, including Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), the most common cancer in HIV patients. Previous studies have indicated that the KSHV-encoded viral protein kinase (vPK) impacts many processes dysregulated in tumorigenesis. Here, we report that vPK protects cells from apoptosis mediated by Caspase-3. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) expressing vPK (HUVEC-vPK) have a survival advantage over control HUVEC under conditions of extrinsic- and intrinsic-mediated apoptosis. Abolishing the catalytic activity of vPK attenuated this survival advantage. We found that KSHV vPK-expressing HUVECs exhibited increased activation of cellular AKT kinase, a cell survival kinase, compared to control cells without vPK. In addition, we report that vPK directly binds the pleckstrin homology (PH) domain of AKT1 but not AKT2 or AKT3. Treatment of HUVEC-vPK cells with a pan-AKT inhibitor Miransertib (ARQ 092) reduced the overall phosphorylation of AKT, resulting in the cleavage of Caspase-3 and the induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, vPK expression activated VEGF/VEGFR2 in HUVECs and promoted angiogenesis through the AKT pathway. vPK expression also inhibited the cytotoxicity of cisplatin in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that vPK's ability to augment cell survival and promote angiogenesis is critically dependent on AKT signaling, which is relevant for future therapies for treating KSHV-associated cancers.

Soluble biomarkers of HIV-1-related systemic immune activation are associated with high plasma levels of growth factors implicated in the pathogenesis of Kaposi sarcoma in adults

Background

Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a multicentric angio-proliferative cancer commonly associated with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection. KS pathogenesis is a multifactorial condition hinged on immune dysfunction yet the mechanisms underlying the risk of developing KS in HHV-8 seropositive adults remains unclear. Here we explored whether soluble markers of HIV-1-related systemic immune activation (SIA) and angiogenesis (VEGF and FGF acidic) are involved in the pathogenesis of KS in adults with HHV8.

Methodology

Blood samples from 99 HIV-1 infected and 60 HIV-1 uninfected adults were collected in Yaoundé, Cameroon. CD3+/CD4+ T cell counts and HIV-1 plasma viral load were determined using the Pima Analyzer and the RT-PCR technique, respectively. Plasma levels of SIA biomarkers (sCD163, sCD25/IL-2Rα, and sCD40/TNFRSF5) and biomarkers of progression to KS (VEGF and FGF acidic) were measured using the Luminex assay. Seropositivity (IgG) for HHV-8 was determined using the ELISA method.

Results

Overall, 20.2% (20/99) of HIV-1 infected and 20% (12/60) of HIV-1 uninfected participants were seropositive for HHV8. Levels of sCD163, sCD25/IL-2Rα, sCD40/TNFRSF5, and FGF acidic were higher in the HIV-1 and HHV8 co-infection groups compared to the HIV-1 and HHV8 uninfected groups (all P <0.05). In addition, Higher plasma levels of VEGF correlated with sCD163 (rs = 0.58, P =0.0067) and sCD40/TNFRSF5 (rs = 0.59, P = 0.0064), while FGF acidic levels correlated with sCD40/TNFRSF5 (rs = 0.51, P = 0.022) in co-infected. In HIV-1 mono-infected donors, VEGF and FGF acidic levels correlated with sCD163 (rs =0.25, P = 0.03 and rs = 0.30, P = 0.006 respectively), sCD25/IL-2Rα (rs = 0.5, P <0.0001 and rs = 0.55, P <0.0001 respectively) and sCD40/TNFRSF5 (rs = 0.7, P <0.0001 and rs = 0.59, P <0.0001 respectively) and even in patients that were virally suppressed sCD25/IL-2Rα (rs = 0.39, P = 0.012 and rs = 0.53, P = 0.0004 respectively) and sCD40/TNFRSF5 (rs = 0.81, P <0.0001 and rs = 0.44, P = 0.0045 respectively).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that although the development of KS in PLWH is multifactorial, HIV-associated SIA might be among the key drivers in coinfections with HHV8 and is independent of the patients' viremic status.

Clinical spectrum and prognostic impact of cancer in critically ill patients with HIV: a multicentre cohort study

BACKGROUND

Both AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers (ADC/NADC) predispose people living with HIV (PLHIV) to critical illnesses. The objective of this multicentre study was to investigate the prognostic impact of ADC and NADC in PLHIV admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

All PLHIV admitted over the 2015-2020 period in 12 university-affiliated ICUs in France were included in the study cohort. The effect of ADC and NADC on in-hospital mortality (primary study endpoint) was measured through logistic regression with augmented backward elimination of potential independent variables. The association between ADC/NADC and treatment limitation decision (TLD) during the ICU stay (secondary study endpoint) was analysed. One-year mortality in patients discharged alive from the index hospital admission (exploratory study endpoint) was compared between those with ADC, NADC or no cancer.

RESULTS

Amongst the 939 included PLHIV (median age, 52 [43-59] years; combination antiretroviral therapy, 74.4%), 97 (10.3%) and 106 (11.3%) presented with an active NADC (mostly lung and intestinal neoplasms) and an active ADC (predominantly AIDS-defining non-Hodgkin lymphoma), respectively. Inaugural admissions were common. Bacterial sepsis and non-infectious neoplasm-related complications accounted for most of admissions in these subgroups. Hospital mortality was 12.4% in patients without cancer, 30.2% in ADC patients and 45.4% in NADC patients (P < 0.0001). NADC (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 7.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.07-12.05) and ADC (aOR, 3.11; 95% CI 1.76-5.51) were independently associated with in-hospital death after adjustment on severity and frailty markers. The prevalence of TLD was 8.0% in patients without cancer, 17.9% in ADC patients and 33.0% in NADC patients (P < 0.0001)-organ failures and non-neoplastic comorbidities were less often considered in patients with cancer. One-year mortality in survivors of the index hospital admission was 7.8% in patients without cancer, 17.0% in ADC patients and 33.3% in NADC patients (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

NADC and ADC are equally prevalent, stand as a leading argument for TLD, and strongly predict in-hospital death in the current population of PLHIV requiring ICU admission.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma in the HIV Setting

Despite the widespread use of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and the subsequent decrease in AIDS-defining cancers, HIV-related lymphomas remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV (PWH). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtype in PWH. This lymphoma is a heterogeneous disease including morphological variants and molecular subtypes according to the cell of origin or the mutation profile. In the pre-cART era, treatment with standard-dose chemotherapy induced high rates of toxicity and outcomes were very poor. The introduction of cART and the incorporation of infection prophylaxis allowed the use of conventional intensive chemotherapy regimens used in the general population, such as R-CHOP or R-EPOCH. The use of cART during chemotherapy treatment was initially controversial due to the potential risk of adverse drug-drug interactions. However, the availability of current cART regimens with less potential to cause drug interactions and evidence that cART improves survival rates in NHL strongly support the use of cART in PWH with DLBCL. Consequently, interdisciplinary collaboration between HIV specialists and hemato-oncologists for the management of potential interactions and overlapping toxicities between antiretroviral and antineoplastic drugs is crucial for the optimal treatment of PWH with NHL.

Incidence and Clinical Description of Lymphomas in Children and Adolescents with Vertical Transmission of HIV in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in Pre- and Post-Combined Antiretroviral Therapy Eras: A Multicentric Hospital-Based Survival Analysis Study

The incidence of cancer in children living with HIV (CLWH) is high and lymphomas are the most common type of cancer in this population. The combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) changed the natural history of HIV infection. To determine the incidence and profile of these CLWH malignancies in Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, we conducted a retrospective and observational study of vertically infected CLWH, ranging from 0−20 incomplete years, from 1995 to 2018, at five reference centers. The study period was divided into three eras in accordance with the widespread use of cART in Brazil. 1306 patients were included. Of the 25 lymphomas found, 19 were AIDS-defining malignancies (ADM); 6 were non-AIDS-defining malignancies (NADM). The incidence rate (IR) of lymphoma developing was 1.70 per 1000 children-year (95% CI 1.09−2.50). ADM development IR decreased from 2.09−1.75−0.19 per 1000 children-year (p < 0.001) through cART eras. Cumulative Nelson−Aalen hazards of developing ADM over a 20-year period were 3.73% in the Early-cART era, 3.07% in the Mid-cART era, and 0.32% in the Late-cART era (p = 0.013). This study demonstrates the IR of lymphoma in CLWH in RJ, Brazil, as well as the benefit of cART in reducing ADM and death occurrence in the Post-cART era.

Human Papillomavirus Infection Among Pregnant Women Living With HIV: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

In the general population, human papillomavirus (HPV) prevalence is reportedly increased during pregnancy, and emerging evidence suggests that it may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience higher rates of both HPV infection and certain adverse pregnancy outcomes, yet there are no prior reviews of HPV infection during pregnancy in WLWH.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled and type-specific HPV prevalence and associated pregnancy outcomes among pregnant WLWH and, if available, within-study comparators of women without HIV. Subgroup analyses were performed according to polymerase chain reaction primers used and geographic location.

RESULTS

Ten studies describing HPV prevalence in 1594 pregnant WLWH were included. The pooled HPV prevalence in pregnant WLWH was 75.5% (95% confidence interval: 50.2 to 90.4) but ranged widely (23%-98%) between individual studies. Among studies that also assessed HPV prevalence in pregnant women without HIV, the pooled prevalence was lower at 48.1% (95% confidence interval: 27.1 to 69.8). Pregnant WLWH had 54% higher odds of being HPV positive compared with pregnant women without HIV. The most common HPV type detected in pregnant WLWH was HPV16. No studies reported pregnancy outcomes by the HPV status.

CONCLUSIONS

High prevalence of HPV was documented in pregnant WLWH, exceeding the prevalence among pregnant women without HIV. The limited research on this topic must be addressed with further studies to inform the use of HPV testing as a screening modality for this population as well as the role of HPV in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Cancer Incidence Among Adults With HIV in a Population-Based Cohort in Korea

IMPORTANCE

In combination with a decreased risk of AIDS-defining cancers and improved survival of people infected with HIV, the burden of non-AIDS-defining cancer has increased markedly. Although a substantial number of studies have measured the cancer risk among people with HIV in developed countries, little research has been conducted on the risk of cancer in HIV-infected people in Asia.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the cancer incidence and the estimated risk of cancer among people in Korea infected with HIV compared with the general population.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated patients without cancer newly diagnosed with HIV from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, using a nationwide population-based claims database embedded in the National Health Insurance Service database. Data were analyzed between December 6, 2021, and February 28, 2022.

EXPOSURES

Infection with HIV.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Cancer incidence and standardized incidence rate (SIR) through indirect standardization.

RESULTS

A total of 11 552 individuals without cancer (10 444 male [90.4%]; mean [SD] age, 39.9 [11.2] years) diagnosed with HIV were identified. The SIR for all cancers was 1.68 (95% CI, 1.50-1.87) in men and 1.26 (95% CI, 0.89-1.64) in women. In men, the highest SIRs were for Kaposi sarcoma (SIR, 349.10; 95% CI, 196.10-502.20) and anal cancer (SIR, 104.20; 95% CI, 55.56-149.90). The incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR, 15.62; 95% CI, 11.85-19.39), Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR, 16.67; 95% CI, 4.32-29.02), and oropharyngeal cancer (SIR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.36-4.58) in men infected with HIV was higher than in the general population. In women infected with HIV, an increased incidence of cervical cancer (SIR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.29-8.66) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (SIR, 11.78; 95% CI, 2.35-21.21) compared with the general population was observed. The SIR of thyroid cancer in patients with HIV was lower than in the general population in both men (SIR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.27-0.99) and women (SIR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.06-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, cancer risks, especially AIDS-defining cancer and virus-related cancer, were elevated in people with HIV. Efforts for cancer prevention, screening, and better accessibility to medical care in HIV-infected people are warranted.

Vaginal microbiota associated with oncogenic HPV in a cohort of HPV-vaccinated women living with HIV

Background

Women living with HIV (WLWH) experience higher rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and cervical cancer than women without HIV. Changes in the vaginal microbiome have been implicated in HPV-related disease processes such as persistence of high-risk HPV infection but this has not been well defined in a population living with HIV.

Methods

Four hundred and 20 girls and WLWH, age ≥9, across 14 clinical sites in Canada were enrolled to receive three doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine for assessment of vaccine immunogenicity. Blood, cervical cytology, and cervico-vaginal swabs were collected. Cervico-vaginal samples were tested for HPV DNA and underwent microbiota sequencing.

Results

Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering generated community state types (CSTs). Relationships between taxa and CSTs with HPV infection were examined using mixed-effects logistic regressions, Poisson regressions, or generalized linear mixed-effects models, as appropriate. Three hundred and fifty-six cervico-vaginal microbiota samples from 172 women were sequenced. Human papillomavirus DNA was detected in 211 (59%) samples; 110 (31%) contained oncogenic HPV. Sixty-five samples (18%) were taken concurrently with incident oncogenic HPV infection and 56 (16%) were collected from women with concurrent persistent oncogenic HPV infection.

Conclusions

No significant associations between taxa, CST, or microbial diversity and HPV-related outcomes were found. However, we observed weak associations between a dysbiotic microbiome and specific species, including Gardnerella, Porphyromonas, and Prevotella species, with incident HPV infection.

Cohort profile: the South African HIV Cancer Match (SAM) Study, a national population-based cohort

PURPOSE

The South African HIV Cancer Match (SAM) Study is a national cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH). It was created using probabilistic record linkages of routine laboratory records of PLWH retrieved by National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) and cancer data from the National Cancer Registry. The SAM Study aims to assess the spectrum and risk of cancer in PLWH in the context of the evolving South African HIV epidemic. The SAM Study's overarching goal is to inform cancer prevention and control programmes in PLWH in the era of antiretroviral treatment in South Africa.

PARTICIPANTS

PLWH (both adults and children) who accessed HIV care in public sector facilities and had HIV diagnostic or monitoring laboratory tests from NHLS.

FINDINGS TO DATE

The SAM cohort currently includes 5 248 648 PLWH for the period 2004 to 2014; 69% of these are women. The median age at cohort entry was 33.0 years (IQR: 26.2-40.9). The overall cancer incidence in males and females was 235.9 (95% CI: 231.5 to 240.5) and 183.7 (181.2-186.2) per 100 000 person-years, respectively.Using data from the SAM Study, we examined national cancer incidence in PLWH and the association of different cancers with immunodeficiency. Cancers with the highest incidence rates were Kaposi sarcoma, cervix, breast, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and eye cancer.

FUTURE PLANS

The SAM Study is a unique, evolving resource for research and surveillance of malignancies in PLWH. The SAM Study will be regularly updated. We plan to enrich the SAM Study through record linkages with other laboratory data within the NHLS (eg, tuberculosis, diabetes and lipid profile data), mortality data and socioeconomic data to facilitate comprehensive epidemiological research of comorbidities among PLWH.

Incidence, Treatment, and Outcome of HIV-Associated Hematologic Malignancies in People Living with HIV in Sweden

People living with HIV (PLHIV) have an increased risk of hematologic malignancies (HMs). We aimed to characterize HMs among PLHIV at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. We studied all PLHIV receiving care at our center between 2004 and 2018. Data were retrieved retrospectively from InfCareHIV database and medical records. Around 3,484 patients received HIV care for a total of 22,903 person-years (py) with median follow-up of 7.6 years. HMs were identified in 43 patients with 30 cases of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), 9 cases of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), 2 multicentric Castleman's disease, and 1 case each of myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. The incidence rate of NHL was 88/10⁵ py and HL 39.6/10⁵ py. The incidence of NHL declined 2004-2010 versus 2011-2018 (180.8 vs. 40.1/10⁵ py; p = .001). Median time from HIV diagnosis to malignancy was shorter in NHL compared with HL (1.2 years vs. 8.9 years; p = .01) and effective HIV treatment was less common in NHL (33% vs. 100%; p < .001). The 5-year survival rate of NHL was 59% and HL 43%, significantly lower compared with lymphoma survival in the general population in Sweden. In the era of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the incidence rate of lymphoma was more than five times higher in PLHIV and 5-year survival significantly inferior. Efforts for earlier identification of HIV-infected individuals are likely to affect the incidence of NHL. Additionally, an effective screening for clinical and laboratory signs of HL in PLHIV on ART should be introduced to improve identification and survival of HL in this population.

Current and Future Tools for Diagnosis of Kaposi's Sarcoma

Simple Summary

Kaposi’s sarcoma, a rare opportunistic tumor, is observed in four epidemiological conditions (AIDS-related, iatrogenic, endemic or classic KS). Although in most cases KS is an indolent disease, it can be locally aggressive and/or it can invade other organs than the skin, resulting in more severe presentations, especially in patients with severe immunosuppression. There is no consensus on the imaging workup that is necessary for either the initial staging of the disease or the follow-up. Future perspectives include the use of certain non-invasive imaging tools that may help to evaluate the clinical response to treatment, as well as certain new histological markers that may help in guiding the treatment planning for this atypical neoplasm.

Abstract

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a rare, atypical malignancy associated with immunosuppression and can be qualified as an opportunistic tumor, which responds to immune modulation or restoration. Four different epidemiological forms have been individualized (AIDS-related, iatrogenic, endemic or classic KS). Although clinical examination is sufficient to diagnose cutaneous lesions of KS, additional explorations are necessary in order to detect lesions involving other organs. New histological markers have been developed in recent years concerning the detection of HHV-8 latent or lytic proteins in the lesions, helping to confirm the diagnosis when it is clinically doubtful. More recently, the evaluation of the local immune response has also been shown to provide some guidance in choosing the appropriate therapeutic option when necessary. We also review the indication and the results of conventional radiological imaging and of non-invasive imaging tools such as ¹⁸F-fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography, thermography and laser Doppler imaging for the diagnosis of KS and for the follow-up of therapeutic response in patients requiring systemic treatment.

Kaposi's Sarcoma in Virally Suppressed People Living with HIV: An Emerging Condition

Simple Summary

Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) in people living with HIV (PLHIV) occurs in the vast majority of cases when viral replication is not controlled and when CD4 immunosuppression is important. However, clinicians are observing more and more cases of KS in PLHIV with suppressed viremia on antiretroviral treatment. These clinical forms seem less aggressive, but cause therapeutic dead ends. Indeed, despite repeated chemotherapy, recurrences are frequent. Immunotherapy and specific treatment regimens should be evaluated in this population.

Abstract

Since the advent of highly effective combined antiretroviral treatment (cART), and with the implementation of large HIV testing programs and universal access to cART, the burden of AIDS-related comorbidities has dramatically decreased over time. The incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma (SK), strongly associated with HIV replication and CD4 immunosuppression, was greatly reduced. However, KS remains the most common cancer in patients living with HIV (PLHIV). HIV physicians are increasingly faced with KS in virally suppressed HIV-patients, as reflected by increasing description of case series. Though SK seem less aggressive than those in PLHIV with uncontrolled HIV-disease, some may require systemic chemotherapy. Persistent lack of specific anti-HHV-8 cellular immunity could be involved in the physiopathology of these KS. These clinical forms are a real therapeutic challenge without possible short-term improvement of anti-HHV-8 immunity, and no active replication of HIV to control. The cumulative toxicity of chemotherapies repeatedly leads to a therapeutic dead end. The introduction or maintenance of protease inhibitors in cART does not seem to have an impact on the evolution of these KS. Research programs in this emerging condition are important to consider new strategies.

Epidemiology of Kaposi's Sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma is an angioproliferative tumor caused by human herpesvirus 8 in the context of immunodeficiency, such as that induced by HIV infection or immunosuppressive therapy. Its incidence has dramatically fallen in patients living with HIV (PLHIV) since the introduction of potent antiretroviral combinations 25 years ago due to the restoration of immunity and better control of HIV replication. However, KS is still one of the most frequently occurring cancers in PLHIV, in particular in men who have sex with men and in sub-Saharan Africa, where it is still endemic. Even in the context of restored immunity, the risk of KS is still more than 30 times higher in PLHIV than in the general population. Recent evidence indicates that early initiation of antiretroviral treatment, which is recommended by current guidelines, may reduce the risk of KS but it needs to be accompanied by early access to care. This review mainly focuses on the recent epidemiological features of KS in the context of HIV infection.

Hematological cancers in individuals infected by HIV

HIV infection increases cancer risk and is linked to cancers associated to infectious agents classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Lymphomas represent one of the most frequent malignancies among individuals infected by HIV. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma remains a leading cancer after the introduction of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). The incidence of other lymphomas including Burkitt lymphoma, primary effusion lymphomas, and plasmablastic lymphoma of the oral cavity remain stable, while the incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-associated Multicentric Castleman Disease has increased. The heterogeneity of lymphomas in individuals infected by HIV likely depends on the complexity of involved pathogenetic mechanisms, i.e. HIV-induced immunosuppression, genetic abnormalities, cytokine dysregulation, co-infection with the gamma-herpesviruses, Epstein Barr virus and KSHV, and the dysregulation of the immune responses controlling these viruses. In the modern cART era, standard treatments for HIV-associated lymphoma including stem cell transplantation in relapsed/refractory disease, mirrors that of the general population. The combination of cART and anti neoplastic treatments has resulted in remarkable prolongation of long-term survival. However, oncolytic and immunotherapic strategies, and therapies targeting specific viral oncogenes will need to be developed primarily.

Risks of Opportunistic Infections in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus With Cancers Treated With Chemotherapy

BACKGROUND

We ascertained incidence of opportunistic infections (OIs) in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) with cancer undergoing chemotherapy with non-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) comparators.

METHODS

We identified 2106 PWH and 2981 uninfected Veterans with cancer who received at least 1 dose of chemotherapy between 1996 and 2017 from the Veterans Aging Cohort Study. We ascertained incident OIs within 6 months of chemotherapy amongst zoster, cytomegalovirus, tuberculosis, Candida esophagitis, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP), toxoplasmosis, Cryptococcosis, atypical Mycobacterium infection, Salmonella bacteremia, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. We used Poisson methods to calculate OI incidence rates by HIV status, stratifying for hematological and nonhematological tumors. We compared OI rates by HIV status, using inverse probability weights of HIV status, further adjusting for PCP prophylaxis.

RESULTS

We confirmed 106 OIs in 101 persons. Adjusted OI incidence rate ratios (IRRs) indicated higher risk in PWH for all cancers (IRR, 4.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-8.2), hematological cancers (IRR, 8.2; 95% CI, 2.4-27.3), and nonhematological cancers (IRR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.1-7.2). Incidence rate ratios were not significantly higher in those with CD4 >200 cells/mm3 and viral load <500 copies/mL (IRR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.2). All PCP cases (n = 11) occurred in PWH, with 2 microbiologically unconfirmed cases among 1467 PWH with nonhematological cancers, no PCP prophylaxis, and CD4 counts >200/mm3.

CONCLUSIONS

Veterans with HIV undergoing chemotherapy had higher rates of OIs than uninfected Veterans, particularly those with hematological cancers, but not in PWH with HIV controlled disease. Our study does not support systematic PCP prophylaxis in solid tumors in PWH with HIV controlled disease.

Genetic variation near CXCL12 is associated with susceptibility to HIV-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Even in the era of suppressive antiretroviral treatment, HIV-infected individuals remain at higher risk of developing NHL compared to the general population. In order to identify potential genetic risk loci, we performed case-control genome-wide association studies and a meta-analysis across three cohorts of HIV-infected patients of European ancestry, including a total of 278 cases and 1,924 matched controls. We observed a significant association with NHL susceptibility in the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) region on chromosome 10. A fine mapping analysis identified rs7919208 as the most likely causal variant (P=4.77e-11), with the G>A polymorphism creating a new transcription factor binding site for BATF and JUND. These results suggest a modulatory role of CXCL12 regulation in the increased susceptibility to NHL observed in the HIV-infected population.

The Early Results of Vertebral Pathological Compression Fracture of Extra- nodal Lymphoma with HIV-positive Patients Treated by Percutaneous Kyphoplasty

BACKGROUND

Vertebral pathological compression fracture involving extra-nodal lymphoma impacts negatively on the quality of life of HIV-positive patients. The choice of a safe and effective approach to palliative care in this condition remains a challenge.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) in the treatment of vertebral pathological compression fracture of extra-nodal lymphoma in HIV-positive patients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis, from January 2016 to August 2019, was performed on 7 HIVpositive patients, 3 males and 4 females, with extra-nodal lymphoma with a vertebral pathological compression fracture. The patients were treated using percutaneous kyphoplasty in our hospital. Preoperative assessment of the patients was conducted regarding their hematological profile, biochemical indicators, liver and kidney function, blood coagulation function, CD4+T lymphocyte count and viral load. Subsequently, the patients were placed on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and rituximab plus cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (RCHOP) regimen. Besides, antibiotics, nutritional support and immune-modulating drugs were also administered, rationally. Postoperatively, the height of the anterior edge of the injured vertebrae, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) values were evaluated. Patients were also monitored for any complications related to the operation.

RESULTS

The average CD4+T cell count for the patients was 164 (range 114 ~247 / ul), while the viral load was 26,269 (range 5,765 ~82,321 copies/ul). All patients received nutritional and immune support and registered significant improvements in the levels of ALB and Hb (P<0.05). In all cases, the operation was uneventful with neither cement leakage nor toxic reactions observed. Similarly, no opportunistic infections, other complications or deaths were reported. The height of the anterior vertebral body and the ODI score of the injured vertebrae were significantly improved immediately after surgery (P<0.05). Compared to the preoperative VAS (7.71±1.11), postoperative values were significantly reduced immediately after surgery (3.85±0.90) and at 2 weeks, 1 month and 6 months post-surgery: 2.71±0.76, 3.29±1.11, and 4.00±0.82, respectively (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Supported with appropriate perioperative treatment measures, PKP is safe and effective in the treatment of pathological vertebral compression fracture due to extra-nodal lymphoma in HIV-positive patients.

Statin exposure and risk of cancer in people with and without HIV infection

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether statin exposure is associated with decreased cancer and mortality risk among persons with HIV (PWH) and uninfected persons. Statins appear to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce cancer risk, particularly among PWH as they experience chronic inflammation and immune activation.

DESIGN

Propensity score-matched cohort of statin-exposed and unexposed patients from 2002 to 2017 in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study (VACS), a large cohort with cancer registry linkage and detailed pharmacy data.

METHODS

We calculated Cox regression hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with statin use for all cancers, microbial cancers (associated with bacterial or oncovirus coinfection), nonmicrobial cancers, and mortality.

RESULTS

:The propensity score-matched sample (N = 47 940) included 23 970 statin initiators (31% PWH). Incident cancers were diagnosed in 1160 PWH and 2116 uninfected patients. Death was reported in 1667 (7.0%) statin-exposed, and 2215 (9.2%) unexposed patients. Statin use was associated with 24% decreased risk of microbial-associated cancers (hazard ratio 0.76; 95% CI 0.69-0.85), but was not associated with nonmicrobial cancer risk (hazard ratio 1.00; 95% CI 0.92-1.09). Statin use was associated with 33% lower risk of death overall (hazard ratio 0.67; 95% CI 0.63-0.72). Results were similar in analyses stratified by HIV status, except for non-Hodgkin lymphoma where statin use was associated with reduced risk (hazard ratio 0.56; 95% CI 0.38-0.83) for PWH, but not for uninfected (P interaction = 0.012).

CONCLUSION

In both PWH and uninfected, statin exposure was associated with lower risk of microbial, but not nonmicrobial cancer incidence, and with decreased mortality.

Recurrence and Occurrence of Kaposi's Sarcoma in Patients Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and on Antiretroviral Therapy, Despite Suppressed HIV Viremia

In 21 cutaneous and/or visceral Kaposi's sarcoma cases, occurring in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were on antiretroviral therapy with suppressed HIV viremia and high CD4 T cell counts, the efficacy of conventional chemotherapies was limited due to cumulative toxicities, comedications, and a lack of immune improvement.

Spectrum and Incidence Trends of AIDS- and Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers between 2010 and 2015 in the French Dat'AIDS Cohort

BACKGROUND

Cancer risk is higher in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared with the general population, and cancers related to age are expected to be most prevalent.

METHODS

We determined the spectrum and incidence rates of AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) and of lung, Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), head and neck (HNC), colon-rectum, anal, liver, breast, prostate, and urinary bladder cancers between January 2010 and December 2015 in the French Dat'AIDS cohort. Incidence rates were calculated by year and compared using the χ ² test for linear trend. Standardized incidence ratios [SIR (95% confidence interval)] were calculated relative to the French general population.

RESULTS

Among 44,642 patients, corresponding to 180,216.4 person-years (PY), 1,440 cancer cases occurred in 1,314 patients. ADC incidence was 191.4 (172.3-212.7)/10⁵ PY and declined over time overall and in men, whereas NADC incidence was higher [548.8 (515.6-584.1)/10⁵ PY] and did not change. In men, non-Hodgkin lymphoma was the most common cancer, but prostate cancer had the highest incidence among NADCs. Breast cancer was the most common cancer in women. SIRs were higher for cervical cancer [1.93 (1.18-3.14)], HNC in women [2.4 (1.4-4.2)], liver [overall: 3.8 (3.1-4.6); men: 3.2 (2.5-4.0); women: 12.9 (8.3-20.0)], and HL [overall: 13.8 (11.1-17.1); men: 16.2 (12.9-20.4); women: 6.2 (3.22-11.9)] but lower for lung [overall: 0.7 (0.6-0.9); men: 0.7 (0.5-0.8)], prostate [0.6 (0.5-0.7)], and breast cancers [0.6 (0.4-0.7)].

CONCLUSIONS

Spectrum of NADCs has changed, with prostate and breast cancers becoming the most common despite their lower SIR.

IMPACT

These results confirm the need to maintain regular epidemiologic cancer monitoring in order to update screening guidelines.

Frequent expression of activation-induced cytidine deaminase in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma tissues from persons living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

The increased risk for persons living with HIV to develop diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) even in the post-antiretroviral therapy eras suggests a role beyond immunosuppression in lymphoma development. However, the mechanisms leading to lymphoma in the HIV setting are not fully understood. HIV is known to induce activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) levels in nonneoplastic B cells in vitro and chronic AID expression may play an important role in lymphomagenesis. Although AID expression is observed in B-cell lymphoma, studies in HIV-associated DLBCL are limited.

DESIGN

In this study, we conducted a retrospective review of DLBCL tissues from patients with and without HIV infection to compare expression of AID and B-cell receptors potentially involved in HIV and B-cell interaction.

METHODS

We evaluated DLBCL formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from 72 HIV-seropositive and 58 HIV-seronegative patients for AID, DC-SIGN, and CD40 protein expression. BCL2 and MYC, two well established prognostically significant oncoproteins in DLBCL, were also assessed at the protein and mRNA levels. Subset analysis was performed according to DLBCL subtype and EBV status.

RESULTS

Of note, AID expression was more frequent in HIV-associated DLBCL compared with non-HIV-associated DLBCL regardless of cell-of-origin subtype, and also displayed significantly less BCL2 expression. Despite no direct correlation with AID expression, the HIV-DLBCL tissues also exhibited high levels of the DC-SIGN receptor.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, these findings support a potential role for AID in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated lymphomas and suggest the need of further investigations into the involvement of the DC-SIGN receptor-signaling pathway.

Epidemiology of haematological malignancies in people living with HIV

People living with HIV or AIDS are at increased risk of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma compared with HIV-negative individuals. Data on the risk of multiple myeloma or leukaemia are inconsistent and of low quality but the risk does not seem to be increased. Specific haematological malignancies occur in different contexts of age, CD4 cell count, HIV control, viral co-infections, or chronic inflammation, and the expansion of combination antiretroviral therapy has led to varied demographic and epidemiological shifts among people with HIV. Increased use of combination antiretroviral therapy has substantially reduced the risks of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma, and primary CNS lymphoma, and to a lesser extent, Hodgkin lymphoma. There is no effect of combination antiretroviral therapy use on multiple myeloma or leukaemia. Although many cases of HIV are in low-income and middle-income countries, high-quality epidemiological data for haematological malignancies from these regions are scarce. Closing this gap is an essential first step in decreasing mortality from HIV-associated haematological malignancies worldwide. Finally, although multicentric Castleman disease is not a neoplastic condition, it is an emerging precursor to neoplastic high-grade B-cell lymphoproliferation among people with HIV, especially for individuals on long-term combination antiretroviral therapy with well controlled HIV.

CD4/CD8 Ratio and the Risk of Kaposi Sarcoma or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in the Context of Efficiently Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: A Collaborative Analysis of 20 European Cohort Studies

BACKGROUND

A persistently low CD4/CD8 ratio has been reported to inversely correlate with the risk of non-AIDS defining cancer in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) efficiently treated by combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We evaluated the impact of the CD4/CD8 ratio on the risk of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), still among the most frequent cancers in treated PLWH.

METHODS

PLWH from the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research Europe (COHERE) were included if they achieved virological control (viral load ≤ 500 copies/mL) within 9 months following cART and without previous KS/LNH diagnosis. Cox models were used to identify factors associated with KS or NHL risk, in all participants and those with CD4 ≥ 500/mm3 at virological control. We analyzed the CD4/CD8 ratio, CD4 count and CD8 count as time-dependent variables, using spline transformations.

RESULTS

We included 56 708 PLWH, enrolled between 2000 and 2014. At virological control, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) CD4 count, CD8 count, and CD4/CD8 ratio were 414 (296-552)/mm3, 936 (670-1304)/mm3, and 0.43 (0.28-0.65), respectively. Overall, 221 KS and 187 NHL were diagnosed 9 (2-37) and 18 (7-42) months after virological control. Low CD4/CD8 ratios were associated with KS risk (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.02 [95% confidence interval {CI } = 1.23-3.31]) when comparing CD4/CD8 = 0.3 to CD4/CD8 = 1) but not with NHL risk. High CD8 counts were associated with higher NHL risk (HR = 3.14 [95% CI = 1.58-6.22]) when comparing CD8 = 3000/mm3 to CD8 = 1000/mm3). Similar results with increased associations were found in PLWH with CD4 ≥ 500/mm3 at virological control (HR = 3.27 [95% CI = 1.60-6.56] for KS; HR = 5.28 [95% CI = 2.17-12.83] for NHL).

CONCLUSIONS

Low CD4/CD8 ratios and high CD8 counts despite effective cART were associated with increased KS/NHL risks respectively, especially when CD4 ≥ 500/mm3.

Mortality of People Living with HIV in Paris Area from 2011 to 2015

In high-income countries, causes of death in people living with HIV (PLHIV) have changed. Three French national surveys from 2000 to 2010 showed a decrease in AIDS-related and an increase in non-AIDS-related deaths. Deaths notified in PLHIV followed between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015 in 1 of 13 participating hospitals northeast of Paris area were described. Risk factors for death were assessed, using a multivariable logistic regression model. Of 14,403 individuals, 295 died. Median age at death was 52 years (interquartile range = 47-60) and 77% were men. Sixty-seven individuals (23%) died from non-AIDS-defining nonviral hepatitis-related (NaNH) malignancy, 40 (14%) from AIDS, 34 (12%) from cardiovascular disease (CVD), 33 (11%) from non-AIDS infection, 21 (7%) from liver disease, and 12 (4%) from suicide. Men and women born in sub-Saharan Africa had a lower adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of dying than men having sex with men (MSM) born in France (0.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.45-1.09; and 0.45, 0.28-0.73, respectively). Risk factors for death were older age (aOR = 2.26, 1.36-3.77 for 40-49 years and 2.91, 1.75-4.84 for >50 years vs. 18-39 years), male intravenous drug users (IVDU) transmission (2.24, 1.42-3.54 vs. MSM born in France), AIDS (2.75, 2.10-3.59), antiretroviral therapy initiation in earlier periods, time since HIV diagnosis <1 year, low CD4 cell count nadir, hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus coinfection (1.69, 1.23-2.30), and psychiatric disorders (1.73, 1.27-2.38). Our study confirms the increasing frequency of non-AIDS-related deaths, mainly NaNH malignancies and CVD, in PLHIV, justifying overall and in some specific populations (psychiatric and IVDU) prevention and screening.

Hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus coinfection and lymphoma risk in people living with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are associated with increased risks of lymphomas in the non-HIV setting. Their impacts on HIV-associated lymphomas deserved further studies in the modern combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) era.

DESIGN

We evaluated the associations between HCV, HBV and HIV-related lymphomas in the Lymphovir-ANRS-CO16 cohort.

METHODS

Prevalence of HCV seropositivity and chronic HBV infections were compared with those observed in the French Hospital Database on HIV (FHDH-ANRS-CO4).

RESULTS

Between 2008 and 2015, 179 patients with HIV-related lymphomas from 32 French hospitals were enrolled, 69 had Hodgkin's lymphoma (39%), and 110 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) (61%). The prevalence of HCV infection was higher in patients with NHL than in the FHDH-ANRS-CO4 [26 versus 14%, odd ratio (OR): 2.15; 95% confidence interval (1.35-3.32)] whereas there was no association between Hodgkin's lymphoma and chronic HCV infection. Chronic HBV infection was not associated with NHL in our cohort with a prevalence of 5 versus 7% in FHDH-ANRS-CO4 but tended to be associated with Hodgkin's lymphoma [prevalence of 14%, OR: 2.16 (0.98-4.27)]. Chronic HCV infection tended to pejoratively impact 2-year overall survival in patients with NHL: 72% [57%, 91%] versus 82% [74%, 91%], hazard ratio: 2.14 [0.95-4.84]. In contrast, chronic HBV infection did not correlate with outcome.

CONCLUSION

In the modern cART era, chronic HCV infection is associated with an increased risk of NHL in PLWHIV and tends to pejoratively impact overall survival. HBV infection is not associated with the risk of NHL but with a borderline increase of Hodgkin's lymphoma risk.

Kaposi sarcoma in people living with HIV: incidence and associated factors in a French cohort between 2010 and 2015

OBJECTIVE

Kaposi sarcoma is still observed among people living with HIV (PLHIV) including those on ART with undetectable HIV viral load (HIV-VL). We aimed to assess Kaposi sarcoma incidence and trends between 2010 and 2015 in France and to highlight associated factors.

DESIGN

Retrospective study using longitudinal data from the Dat'AIDS cohort including 44 642 PLWH. For the incidence assessment, Kaposi sarcoma cases occurring within 30 days of cohort enrollment were excluded.

METHODS

Demographic, immunological, and therapeutic characteristics collected at time of Kaposi sarcoma diagnosis or at last visit for patients without Kaposi sarcoma.

RESULTS

Among 180 216.4 person-years, Kaposi sarcoma incidence was 76 (95% CI 64.3-89.9)/10 person-years. Multivariate analysis (Poisson regression) revealed the positive association with male sex, MSM transmission route, lower CD4 T-cell count, higher CD8 T-cell count, not to be on ART, whereas HIV follow-up time, duration with an HIV-VL 50 copies/ml or less were negatively associated with Kaposi sarcoma. According to the different models tested, HIV-VL, CD4 : CD8 ratio and nadir CD4 cell count were associated with Kaposi sarcoma. Moreover, stratified analysis showed that patients with a CD4 : CD8 ratio 0.5 or less or a CD8 T-cell count greater than 1000 cells/μl were at higher risk of Kaposi sarcoma regardless of the CD4 T-cell count.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that in a resource-rich country setting with high ART coverage, Kaposi sarcoma still occurred among PLWH. CD8 hyperlymphocytosis and CD4 : CD8 ratio should be now considered as two useful markers to better identify patients at increased Kaposi sarcoma risk, including those with a CD4 T-cell count greater than 500 cells/μl.

Management of HIV-infected patients in the intensive care unit

The widespread use of combination antiretroviral therapies (cART) has converted the prognosis of HIV infection from a rapidly progressive and ultimately fatal disease to a chronic condition with limited impact on life expectancy. Yet, HIV-infected patients remain at high risk for critical illness due to the occurrence of severe opportunistic infections in those with advanced immunosuppression (i.e., inaugural admissions or limited access to cART), a pronounced susceptibility to bacterial sepsis and tuberculosis at every stage of HIV infection, and a rising prevalence of underlying comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, atherosclerosis or non-AIDS-defining neoplasms in cART-treated patients aging with controlled viral replication. Several patterns of intensive care have markedly evolved in this patient population over the late cART era, including a steady decline in AIDS-related admissions, an opposite trend in admissions for exacerbated comorbidities, the emergence of additional drivers of immunosuppression (e.g., anti-neoplastic chemotherapy or solid organ transplantation), the management of cART in the acute phase of critical illness, and a dramatic progress in short-term survival that mainly results from general advances in intensive care practices. Besides, there is a lack of data regarding other features of ICU and post-ICU care in these patients, especially on the impact of sociological factors on clinical presentation and prognosis, the optimal timing of cART introduction in AIDS-related admissions, determinants of end-of-life decisions, long-term survival, and functional outcomes. In this narrative review, we sought to depict the current evidence regarding the management of HIV-infected patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Potential lung cancer screening outcomes using different age and smoking thresholds in the ANRS-CO4 French Hospital Database on HIV cohort

OBJECTIVES

In most lung screening programmes, only subjects ≥ 55 years old and smoking ≥ 30 pack-years are eligible to undergo chest low-dose computed tomography. Whether the same criteria should apply to people living with HIV (PLHIV) is uncertain, given the increased lung cancer risks associated with immunodeficiency and high rates of smoking. We assessed different outcomes obtained from simulating one round of lung cancer screening in PLHIV using different age and smoking thresholds for eligibility.

METHODS

Data from the French Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS)-CO4 French Hospital Database on HIV (FHDH) cohort of PLHIV and a national representative survey of PLHIV in care in 2011 (the ANRS-VESPA2 [enquête sur les personnes atteintes] study) were used to estimate the maximum proportion of incident lung cancers occurring between 2012 and 2016 that would have potentially been detected by screening in 2011. Secondary outcomes were numbers of eligible subjects in the cohort and numbers of subjects needed to screen (NNS) to detect one lung cancer.

RESULTS

Among 77819 PLHIV in 2011 (median age 46 years; 66% men), 285 subjects subsequently developed lung cancer. Adoption of the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations (55-80 years; ≥ 30 pack-years) would have detected 31% of lung cancers at most. Lowering the minimum age to 50 and 45 years would have detected 49% and 60% of cancers, respectively, but would have greatly increased the number of eligible subjects and the NNS to detect one case of lung cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the USPSTF criteria would have detected only a minority of lung cancers in a large French cohort of PLHIV in 2011. Screening PLHIV at younger ages (45 or 50 years) and/or the use of lower smoking thresholds (20 pack-years) may be beneficial, despite the consequently higher numbers of eligible subjects and NNS to detect one case of lung cancer, and should be evaluated in future studies.

Critically Ill Patients With HIV: 40 Years Later

The development of combination antiretroviral therapies (cARTs) in the mid-1990s has dramatically modified the clinical presentation of critically ill, HIV-infected patients. Most cART-treated patients aging with controlled HIV replication are currently admitted to the ICU for non-AIDS-related events, mostly bacterial pneumonia and exacerbation of comorbidities, variably affected by chronic HIV infection (COPD, cardiovascular diseases, or solid neoplasms). Today, Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia, cerebral toxoplasmosis, TB, and other severe opportunistic infections only occur in patients with unknown viral status, limited access to cART, viral resistance, or compliance issues. Acute respiratory failure, neurological disorders, and sepsis remain the main conditions that lead HIV-infected patients to the ICU, although admissions for liver diseases or acute kidney injury are increasing. Case fatality dropped substantially over the past decades, reaching figures of HIV-uninfected critically ill patients with similar demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and level of organ dysfunctions. Several other facets of critical care management have evolved in this population, including diagnostic procedures, cART management at the acute phase of critical illness, and ethical considerations. The goal of this narrative review was to depict the current evidence and emerging challenges for the management of critically ill, HIV-infected patients, almost 40 years following the onset of the AIDS epidemic.

Recent advances in HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumour caused by KS-associated herpesvirus and is an AIDS-defining illness. Despite a decline in incidence since the introduction of combination anti-retroviral therapy, KS remains the most common cancer in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review reflects on recent epidemiological data as well as current management, unmet needs and future perspectives in the treatment of HIV-associated KS with particular emphasis on the potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Reconstitution of HIV-1 reservoir following high-dose chemotherapy/autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

Autologous stem cell transplantation following high-dose chemotherapy (HDC/ASCT) is the prime model to study the impact of HDC in HIV-1-infected participants. We analyzed the impact of HDC/ASCT on the resurgent reservoir composition and origin.

DESIGN

We included retrospectively a homogenous group of HIV-1-infected patients treated for high-risk lymphoma in a reference center with similar chemotherapy regimens.

METHODS

Thirteen participants treated with HDC/ASCT from 2012 to 2015 were included. A median seven longitudinal blood samples per participant were available. Total HIV-1 DNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were quantified by quantitative PCR. In six participants with sustained viral suppression, the highly variable C2V3 viral region was subjected to next-generation sequencing. Maximum-likelihood phylogeny trees were generated from the reconstructed viral haplotypes. Lymphocyte subsets were studied by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

PBMC-associated HIV-1 DNA levels were stable over time. Viral diversity decreased along lymphoma treatment, but increased promptly back to prechemotherapy numbers after HDC/ASCT. Blood viral populations from all time-points were intermingled in phylogeny trees: the resurgent reservoir was similar to pre-HDC circulating proviruses. Memory subsets were the main contributor to the early restoration of the CD4+ T-cell pool, with a delayed increase in naïve cell counts.

CONCLUSIONS

The characterization of HIV-1 reservoir in blood revealed a fast and consistent replenishment from memory CD4+ T cells after HDC/ASCT. As HDC/ASCT is increasingly involved in HIV cure trials with gene-modified hematopoietic stem cells, the management of infected T cells in HIV-positive autologous transplants will be critical.

Invasive cervical cancer in HIV-infected women: risk and survival relative to those of the general population in France. Results from the French Hospital Database on HIV (FHDH)-Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS) CO4 cohort study

OBJECTIVES

We examined trends in the incidence rates of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and in the rate of survival after ICC among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in France and compared them to those of the general population.

METHODS

Histologically validated incident cases of ICC in the period 1992-2009 from the French Hospital Database on HIV (FHDH-ANRS CO4) were included in the study. Age-standardized incidence rates were estimated for FHDH and the general population in France for 1992-1996 [pre-combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) period], 1997-2000 (early cART period), 2001-2004 (intermediate cART period), and 2005-2009 (late cART period). Age-standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated. Five-year survival was compared with that of the general population for ICC diagnosed in 2005-2009 after standardization for age.

RESULTS

Among 28 977 WLHIV, 60 incident ICCs were histologically validated. There was a nonsignificant decreasing trend for the incidence across the cART periods (P = 0.07), from 60 to 36/100 000 person-years. The risk of ICC was consistently significantly higher in WLHIV than in the general population; the SIR was 5.4 [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.0-8.9] during the pre-cART period and 3.3 (95% CI 2.2-4.7) in 2005-2009. Survival after ICC did not improve across periods (log-rank P = 0.14), with overall estimated 5-year survival of 78% (95% CI 0.67-0.89%). Five-year survival was similar for WLHIV and the general population for women diagnosed with ICC in 2005-2009, after standardization (P = 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

ICC risk is still more than three times higher in WLHIV than in the general population. Survival after ICC did not improve over time and was similar to that of the general population during the most recent period. Such results call for promotion of the uptake of screening in WLHIV.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk in adults living with HIV across five continents

OBJECTIVE

To compare non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) incidence rates in adults who started antiretroviral therapy (ART) across the Asia-Pacific, South Africa, Europe, Latin, and North America.

METHODS

We included cohort data of adults living with HIV who started ART after 1995 within the framework of the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) and the Collaboration of Observational HIV Epidemiological Research in Europe (COHERE). We used flexible parametric survival models to compare regional NHL rates at 2 years after ART start and to identify risk factors for NHL.

RESULTS

We included 210 898 adults with 1.1 million person-years (pys) of follow-up and 1552 incident NHL cases (raw overall incidence rate 142/100 000 pys). After adjusting for age at ART start, first-line ART regimen, calendar period of ART start, and especially current CD4 cell count, NHL rates were similar across regions for most population groups. However, South African women remained at increased risk of developing NHL compared with their European counterparts [adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.79, 95% CI 1.19-2.70]. In Europe, Latin, and North America, NHL risk was highest in MSM (aHR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14-1.48), followed by heterosexual men (referent), and women (aHR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57-0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of developing NHL is higher in women in South Africa than in Europe and higher in MSM compared with heterosexual men and women. Reasons for these differences remain unclear. Early ART access and regular patient monitoring to avert low CD4 cell counts remain key for NHL prevention.

Association of Viral Suppression With Lower AIDS-Defining and Non-AIDS-Defining Cancer Incidence in HIV-Infected Veterans: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background

Viral suppression is a primary marker of HIV treatment success. Persons with HIV are at increased risk for AIDS-defining cancer (ADC) and several types of non-AIDS-defining cancer (NADC), some of which are caused by oncogenic viruses.

Objective

To determine whether viral suppression is associated with decreased cancer risk.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

Department of Veterans Affairs.

Participants

HIV-positive veterans (n = 42 441) and demographically matched uninfected veterans (n = 104 712) from 1999 to 2015.

Measurements

Standardized cancer incidence rates and Poisson regression rate ratios (RRs; HIV-positive vs. uninfected persons) by viral suppression status (unsuppressed: person-time with HIV RNA levels ≥500 copies/mL; early suppression: initial 2 years with HIV RNA levels <500 copies/mL; long-term suppression: person-time after early suppression with HIV RNA levels <500 copies/mL).

Results

Cancer incidence for HIV-positive versus uninfected persons was highest for unsuppressed persons (RR, 2.35 [95% CI, 2.19 to 2.51]), lower among persons with early suppression (RR, 1.99 [CI, 1.87 to 2.12]), and lowest among persons with long-term suppression (RR, 1.52 [CI, 1.44 to 1.61]). This trend was strongest for ADC (unsuppressed: RR, 22.73 [CI, 19.01 to 27.19]; early suppression: RR, 9.48 [CI, 7.78 to 11.55]; long-term suppression: RR, 2.22 [CI, 1.69 to 2.93]), much weaker for NADC caused by viruses (unsuppressed: RR, 3.82 [CI, 3.24 to 4.49]; early suppression: RR, 3.42 [CI, 2.95 to 3.97]; long-term suppression: RR, 3.17 [CI, 2.78 to 3.62]), and absent for NADC not caused by viruses.

Limitation

Lower viral suppression thresholds, duration of long-term suppression, and effects of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts were not thoroughly evaluated.

Conclusion

Antiretroviral therapy resulting in long-term viral suppression may contribute to cancer prevention, to a greater degree for ADC than for NADC. Patients with long-term viral suppression still had excess cancer risk.

Primary Funding Source

National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health.

Neoplasms-associated deaths in HIV-1 infected and non-infected patients in Bahia, Brazil

BACKGROUND

HIV-infected patients are at a higher risk to develop malignancies than general population. Although AIDS-related malignancies are a common feature of late-stage disease, patients under successful antiretroviral therapy also have an increased risk for development of non-AIDS malignancies.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the frequency and characteristics of adults HIV-infected patients and general population who died of malignancies in Bahia, Brazil from January 2000 to December 2010.

METHODS

National Information System on Mortality (SIM) was searched to identify all deaths in the study period caused by malignancies in general population and in HIV patients. The frequency of malignancies in these two groups was compared. For HIV patients we also recorded the last HIV-1 RNA plasma viral load and CD4+ cells count, retrieved from oficial databases on laboratory monitoring for HIV patients.

RESULTS

In the study period 733,645 deaths were reported, 677,427 (92.3%) of them in individual older than 13 years. Malignancies were the cause of death in 77,174 (11.4%) of them, and 5156 (0.8%) were associated to HIV/Aids. Among deaths of HIV/Aids patients, Kaposi´s sarcoma was the most prevalent malignancy (OR: 309.7; 95% CI: 177-544), followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (OR: 10.1; 95% CI: 5.3-19.3), Hodgkin´s lymphoma (OR: 4.3; 95% CI: 2.2-8.4), and cranial nervous malignancies (OR: 3.3; 95% CI:1.6-7.0). HIV patients died at a significantly lower age (43.7 years), than general population (64.5 years, p < 0.0001). Patients who had a diagnosis of Aids-related malignancies had lower CD4+ cells count than those with non-AIDS relates malignancies (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

HIV infection is a clear risk fator for development of some malignancies, and is associated with early mortality, compared to general population. The level of CD4+ cells count predicts the type of malignancies causing death in this population.

Persistence of memory B-cell and T-cell responses to the quadrivalent HPV vaccine in HIV-infected children

OBJECTIVE

To determine the magnitude and persistence of quadrivalent human papillomavirus (HPV)16 and HPV18 B-cell and T-cell memory after three or four doses of quadrivalent HPV vaccine (QHPV) in HIV-infected children.

METHODS

Seventy-four HIV-infected children immunized with four doses and 23 with three doses of QHPV had HPV16 and HPV18 IgG B-cell and IFNγ and IL2 T-cell ELISPOT performed at 2, 3.5 and 4-5 years after the last dose.

RESULTS

HPV16 and HPV18 T-cell responses were similar in both treatment groups, with higher responses to HPV16 vs. HPV18. These HPV T-cell responses correlated with HIV disease characteristics at the study visits. Global T-cell function declined over time as measured by nonspecific mitogenic stimulation. B-cell memory was similar across treatment groups and HPV genotypes. There was a decline in HPV-specific B-cell memory over time that reached statistical significance for HPV16 in the four-dose group.

CONCLUSION

B-cell and T-cell memory did not significantly differ after either three or four doses of QHPV in HIV-infected children. The clinical consequences of decreasing global T-cell function and HPV B-cell memory over time in HIV-infected children requires further investigation.

Hospitalization of HIV positive patients: Significant demand affecting all hospital sectors

BACKGROUND

In a context of the evolution of severe morbidities in patients living with HIV (PLWH), the aim of this study was to describe reasons for hospitalization and the mode of care for the patients requiring hospitalization.

METHODS

All admissions (≥24h) of PLWH to 10 hospitals in the south of Paris (COREVIH Ile-de-France Sud) between 1/1/2011 and 12/31/2011 were identified. The hospital database and the file of patients followed in the HIV referral department of each hospital were matched. Detailed clinical and biological data were collected, by returning to the individual medical records, for a random sample (65% of hospitalized patients).

RESULTS

A total of 3013 hospitalizations (1489 patients) were recorded in 2011. The estimated rate of hospitalized patients was about 8% among the 10105 PLWH routinely managed in COREVIH Ile-de-France Sud in 2011. The majority (58.5%) of these hospitalizations occurred in a unit other than the HIV referral unit. Non-AIDS-defining infections were the main reason for admission (16.4%), followed by HIV-related diseases (15.6%), hepatic/gastrointestinal diseases (12.0%), and cardiovascular diseases (10.3%). The median length of stay was 5 days overall (IQR: 2-11), it was longer among patients admitted to a referral HIV care unit than to another ward. HIV infection had been diagnosed >10 years previously in 61.4% of these hospitalized patients. They often had associated comorbidities (coinfection HCV/HVB 40.5%, smoking 45.8%; hypertension 33.4%, dyslipidemia 28.8%, diabetes 14.8%). Subjects over 60 years old accounted for 15% of hospitalized patients, most of them were virologically controlled under HIV treatment, and cardiovascular diseases were their leading reason for admission.

CONCLUSION

Needs for hospitalization among PLWH remain important, with a wide variety in causes of admission, involving all hospital departments. It is essential to prevent comorbidities to reduce these hospitalizations, and to maintain a link between the management of PLWH, that becomes rightly, increasing ambulatory, and recourse to specialized inpatient services.

Outcomes for HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the modern combined antiretroviral therapy era

OBJECTIVE

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) remains among the most frequent malignancies in persons living with HIV (PLWHIV). Survival among patients with HIV-associated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), the most frequent NHL subtype, has improved markedly in recent years. We aimed to analyze characteristics and outcomes of DLBCL in HIV-infected patients in the era of modern combined antiretroviral therapy (cART).

DESIGN

PLWHIV with lymphoma were prospectively enrolled in the French ANRS-CO16 Lymphovir cohort between 2008 and 2015. We compared the patients treated with R-CHOP) (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, daunorubicin, vin-cristine, prednisolone) with HIV-negative DLBCL patients enrolled simultaneously in the R-CHOP arms of Lymphoma Study Association trials.

RESULTS

Among 110 PLWHIV with NHL, 52 (47%) had systemic DLBCL. These 52 cases had frequent extranodal disease (81%), poor performance status (35%) and advanced age-adjusted international prognostic index (aaIPI) (58%), and were mainly treated with R-CHOP (n = 44, 85%). Their median CD4 T-cell count was 233 cells/μl, and 79% of patients were on cART. The 2-year overall and progression-free survival rates were both 75% (95% confidence interval: 64%, 88%). Factors associated with progression or death in univariate analysis were poor performance status [hazard ratio: 3.3 (1.2, 8.9)], more than one extranodal site [hazard ratio: 3.4 (1.1, 10.5)] and an advanced aaIPI [hazard ratio: 3.7 (1.0, 13.1)]. Progression-free survival after R-CHOP therapy did not differ from that of the HIV-negative counterparts (P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

In the recent cART era, despite frequent high-risk features, the 2-year overall survival of HIV-DLBCL patients reaches 75%. Outcomes after R-CHOP therapy are similar to those of HIV-negative patients with similar aaIPI.

Cancer risk in HIV-infected people in the USA from 1996 to 2012: a population-based, registry-linkage study

BACKGROUND

Monitoring cancer risk among HIV-infected people in the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era is essential given their elevated risk for many cancers and prolonged survival with immunosuppression, ART exposure, and ageing. We aimed to examine cancer risk in HIV-infected people in the USA as compared with that in the general population.

METHODS

We did a registry-linkage study with data from population-based HIV and cancer registries in the USA (the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study). We assessed a cohort of HIV-infected people identified in HIV registries in Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, and Texas from 1996 to 2012. Follow-up started 3 months after either the latest of the beginning of systematic name-based state HIV registration, HIV report date (or AIDS diagnosis, if this was earlier), start of cancer registration, or Jan 1, 1996, and ended at the earliest of either death, end of cancer-registry coverage, or Dec 31, 2012. We identified diagnoses of cancer in this population through linkage with corresponding cancer registries and calculated standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) to measure cancer risk in people with HIV compared with the USA general population, by dividing the observed number of cases in people with HIV by the expected number (estimated by applying general population cancer-incidence rates to person-time in the HIV population based on sex, age, race or ethnic group, calendar year, and registry). We tested SIR differences by AIDS status and over time using Poisson regression.

FINDINGS

Among 448 258 people with HIV (who contributed 3 093 033 person-years), 21 294 incident cancers were diagnosed during 1996-2012. In these people, compared with the general population, risk was elevated (p<0·0001 for all) for cancer overall (SIR 1·69, 95% CI 1·67-1·72), AIDS-defining cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma [498·11, 477·82-519·03], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [11·51, 11·14-11·89], and cervix [3·24, 2·94-3·56]), most other virus-related cancers (eg, anus [19·06, 18·13-20·03], liver [3·21, 3·02-3·41], and Hodgkin's lymphoma [7·70, 7·20-8·23]), and some virus-unrelated cancers (eg, lung [1·97, 1·89-2·05]), but not for other common cancers. Risk for several cancers was higher after AIDS onset and declined across calendar periods. After multivariable adjustment, SIRs decreased significantly across 1996-2012 for Kaposi's sarcoma, two subtypes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cancer of the anus, liver, and lung, but remained elevated. SIRs did not increase over time for any cancer.

INTERPRETATION

For several virus-related cancers and lung cancer, declining risks over time in HIV-infected people probably reflect the expansion of ART since 1996. Additional efforts aimed at cancer prevention and screening in people with HIV are warranted.

FUNDING

National Cancer Institute.

Association of CD4+ T-cell Count, HIV-1 RNA Viral Load, and Antiretroviral Therapy With Kaposi Sarcoma Risk Among HIV-infected Persons in the United States and Canada

BACKGROUND

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) remains common among HIV-infected persons. To better understand KS etiology and to help target prevention efforts, we comprehensively examined a variety of CD4 T-cell count and HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) measures, as well as antiretroviral therapy (ART) use, to determine independent predictors of KS risk.

SETTING

North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design.

METHODS

We followed HIV-infected persons during 1996-2009 from 18 cohorts. We used time-updated Cox regression to model relationships between KS risk and recent, lagged, trajectory, and cumulative CD4 count or VL measures, as well as ART use. We used Akaike's information criterion and global P values to derive a final model.

RESULTS

In separate models, the relationship between each measure and KS risk was highly significant (P < 0.0001). Our final mutually adjusted model included recent CD4 count [hazard ratio (HR) for <50 vs. ≥500 cells/μL = 12.4; 95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5 to 23.8], recent VL (HR for ≥100,000 vs. ≤500 copies/mL = 3.8; 95% CI: 2.0 to 7.3), and cumulative (time-weighted mean) VL (HR for ≥100,000 vs. ≤500 copies/mL = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.0 to 5.9). Each P-trend was <0.0001. After adjusting for these measures, we did not detect an independent association between ART use and KS risk.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested a multifactorial etiology for KS, with early and late phases of development. The cumulative VL effect suggested that controlling HIV replication promptly after HIV diagnosis is important for KS prevention. We observed no evidence for direct anti-KS activity of ART, independent of CD4 count and VL.