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Byakwaga H, Semeere A, Laker-Oketta M, Busakhala N, Freeman E, Rotich E, Wenger M, Kadama-Makanga P, Kisuya J, Semakadde M, Mwine B, Kasozi C, Mwebesa B, Maurer T, Glidden DV, Wools-Kaloustian K, Kambugu A, Martin J. Survival Following Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma Among Adults in East Africa in the "Treat-All" Era. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.08.26.24312536. [PMID: 39252899 PMCID: PMC11383447 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.26.24312536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Background Despite widespread access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the "Treat All" era, HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma (KS) remains among the most common malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa. Survival after KS diagnosis has historically been poor in Africa, but knowledge whether survival has changed at the population level in the contemporary era has been limited by lack of community-representative surveillance and monitoring systems. Methods We identified all adult persons living with HIV (PLWH) with a new diagnosis of KS made between 2016 and 2019 during outpatient or inpatient care at prototypical primary care-providing medical facilities in Kenya and Uganda using rapid case ascertainment. Participants were subsequently followed for vital status, including community tracking for those who became lost to follow-up. Findings Among 411 participants with newly diagnosed KS, 71% were men, median age was 34 (IQR: 30 to 41) years, and 91% had ACTG T1 tumor extent. Over a median follow-up of 7.8 (IQR: 2.4 to 17.9) months, cumulative incidence of death (95% CI) at months 6, 12 and 18 were 34% (30% to 39%), 41% (36% to 46%) and 45% (40% to 51%), respectively. Having the highest number of anatomic sites (11 to 16) harboring KS lesions (hazard ratio 2.2 (95% CI: 1.3-3.8) compared to 1 to 3 sites) and presence of oral KS lesions (hazard ratio 2.2 (95% CI: 1.4-3.3)) were independently associated with higher mortality. Lower hemoglobin and CD4 count as well as higher plasma HIV RNA were also associated with higher mortality. Interpretation Among PLWH with newly diagnosed KS in East Africa in the "Treat All" era, survival was poor and related to mucocutaneous extent of KS. The findings emphasize the need for better control of KS in Africa, including novel approaches for earlier detection, better linkage to oncologic care, and more potent therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Miriam Laker-Oketta
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Elyne Rotich
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Philippa Kadama-Makanga
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Job Kisuya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Bronia Mwine
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | | | - Bwana Mwebesa
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Toby Maurer
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | | | - Andrew Kambugu
- Infectious Disease Institute, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
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Moorad R, Kasonkanji E, Gumulira J, Gondwe Y, Dewey M, Pan Y, Peng A, Pluta LJ, Kudowa E, Nyasosela R, Tomoka T, Tweya H, Heller T, Gugsa S, Phiri S, Moore DT, Damania B, Painschab M, Hosseinipour MC, Dittmer DP. A prospective cohort study identifies two types of HIV+ Kaposi Sarcoma lesions: proliferative and inflammatory. Int J Cancer 2023; 153:2082-2092. [PMID: 37602960 PMCID: PMC11074775 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common cancer in people living with HIV (PLWH) in many countries where KS-associated herpesvirus is endemic. Treatment has changed little in 20 years, but the disease presentation has. This prospective cohort study enrolled 122 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive KS patients between 2017 and 2019 in Malawi. Participants were treated with bleomycin, vincristine and combination antiretroviral therapy, the local standard of care. One-year overall survival was 61%, and progression-free survival was 58%. The 48-week complete response rate was 35%. RNAseq (n = 78) differentiated two types of KS lesions, those with marked endothelial characteristics and those enriched in inflammatory transcripts. This suggests that different KS lesions are in different disease states consistent with the known heterogeneous clinical response to treatment. In contrast to earlier cohorts, the plasma HIV viral load of KS patients in our study was highly variable. A total of 25% of participants had no detectable HIV; all had detectable KSHV viral load. Our study affirms that many KS cases today develop in PLWH with well-controlled HIV infection and that different KS lesions have differing molecular compositions. Further studies are needed to develop predictive biomarkers for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Razia Moorad
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Yue Pan
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill
| | - Alice Peng
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Linda J. Pluta
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Evaristar Kudowa
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dominic T Moore
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Matthew Painschab
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- UNC Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Mina C. Hosseinipour
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- UNC Project Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Dirk P. Dittmer
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; Chapel Hill, USA
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Shchemelev AN, Boumbaly S, Ostankova YV, Zueva EB, Semenov AV, Totolian AA. Prevalence of drug resistant HIV-1 forms in patients without any history of antiretroviral therapy in the Republic of Guinea. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28184. [PMID: 36175006 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
To study the structure of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 drug resistance (DR) in patients with newly diagnosed infection. Residents of the Republic of Guinea (N = 2168) were tested for HIV using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Individuals with a positive result were further examined for the presence of viral load in blood plasma. HIV was analyzed using Sanger sequencing. The obtained sequences were genotyped using REGA (version 3.0) and analyzed in MEGA 7. Analysis for the presence of DR mutations was performed using the Stanford University HIV DR Database. Serological markers of HIV were detected in 239 people, which represents 11.02% of the entire sample. HIV RNA was detected in 58 people. The following subtypes were seen: HIV CRF02_AG (41.9%); A1 (29.1%); A3 (12.9%); URF A1_G (12.9%); and G (3.2%). In 25% of patients, at least one significant mutation was encountered leading directly to HIV DR. The mutations encountered cause resistance to NRTI and NNRTI; one case of multiple resistance was identified. Major resistance to protease inhibitor was not seen. The detection of HIV-1 mutations associated with DR, in individuals who have never received antiretroviral therapy, is a cause for concern. It suggests that: new infections are occurring with strains that already have resistance; and the expansion of resistance is not always directly associated with selective drug pressure. Among the likely reasons for the high prevalence of primary HIV DR in the Republic of Guinea, drug availability is probably the key. The consequence of this is the lack of adherence of patients to treatment, the formation and transmission of resistant variants of the virus in the population. These findings suggest the need to test patients for resistant virus variants before initiating treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanaba Boumbaly
- Institute Research Biology Appliquee De Guinee, Kindia, Republic of Guinea
| | | | - Elena B Zueva
- Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, St. Petersburg, Russia
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4
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Sabourin KR, Borok M, Mawhinney S, Matimba M, Jaji F, Fiorillo S, Chifamba DD, Muserere C, Mashiri B, Bhodheni C, Gambiza P, Mandidewa R, Mutimuri M, Gudza I, Mulvahill M, Moore CM, Kutner JS, Simões EAF, Campbell TB. Evaluation of a training intervention to improve cancer care in Zimbabwe: Strategies to Improve Kaposi Sarcoma Outcomes (SIKO), a prospective community-based stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial. J Int AIDS Soc 2022; 25:e25998. [PMID: 36028920 PMCID: PMC9418419 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.25998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Most Zimbabweans access medical care through tiered health systems. In 2013, HIV care was decentralized to primary care clinics; while oncology care remained centralized. Most persons in Zimbabwe with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) are diagnosed late in their disease, and the prognosis is poor. Little is known about whether educational interventions could improve KS outcomes in these settings. Methods Interventions to improve KS detection and management were evaluated at eight Zimbabwe primary care sites (four rural/four urban) that provided HIV care. Interventions included a standardized KS clinical evaluation tool, palliative care integration, standardized treatment and improved consultative services. Interventions were implemented between February 2013 and January 2016 using a randomized stepped‐wedge cluster design. Sites were monitored for KS diagnosis rates and KS outcomes, including early diagnosis (T0 vs. T1 tumour stage), participant retention and mortality. Analyses controlled for within‐clinic correlations. Results A total of 1102 persons with suspected KS (96% HIV positive) were enrolled: 47% incident (new diagnosis), 20% prevalent (previous diagnosis) and 33% determined as not KS. Early (T0) diagnosis increased post‐intervention, though not significant statistically (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.48 [95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.66–3.79], p = 0.37). New KS diagnosis rates increased 103% (95% CI: 11–273%), p = 0.02) post‐intervention; although paired with an increased odds of incorrectly diagnosing KS (aOR = 2.08 [95% CI: 0.33–3.24], p = 0.001). Post‐intervention, non‐significant decreases in 90‐day return rates (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.69 [95% CI: 0.38–1.45], p = 0.21) and survival (aHR = 1.36 [95% CI: 0.85–2.20], p = 0.20) were estimated. Conclusions KS training interventions at urban and rural Zimbabwe decentralized primary care clinics significantly increased overall and incorrect KS diagnosis rates, but not early KS diagnosis rates, 90‐day return rates or survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Margaret Borok
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Maxwell Matimba
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Francis Jaji
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Suzanne Fiorillo
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Patricia Gambiza
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Mercia Mutimuri
- University of Zimbabwe Clinical Research Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Ivy Gudza
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | | | - Camille M Moore
- National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.,Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Jean S Kutner
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric A F Simões
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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McLigeyo A, Owuor K, Ng’ang’a E, Mwangi J, Wekesa P. Characteristics and Treatment Response of Patients with HIV Associated Kaposi's Sarcoma in Central Kenya. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2022; 14:207-215. [PMID: 38808105 PMCID: PMC11130515 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s359278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-associated malignancy in Sub Saharan Africa. In 2018, it was the 7th most common cancer and the 10th most common cause of cancer death in Kenya. This study aimed to describe the baseline and clinical characteristics and treatment response observed following combined antiretroviral treatment (ART) and chemotherapy in KS patients. Methods This was a descriptive analysis of patients aged ≥15 years treated for KS and HIV at 11 treatment hubs in Central Kenya between 2011 and 2014. Data on baseline and clinical characteristics, ART and chemotherapy regimens as well as treatment responses were collected from patient files and KS registers. Results A total of 95 patients presenting with clinically suspected KS with no history of prior treatment with chemotherapy were reviewed. All had histological diagnostic samples taken with 67 (71%) having confirmed KS. All were on ART, either newly initiated or continuing on ART, and 63 of the 67 (94.0%) confirmed to have KS received chemotherapy. Among the 67 patients with confirmed KS, mean age was 37.2 years (± 13.2) and 40 (59.7%) were male. More than 80% had normal baseline and follow-up BMI, and 34 (50.7%) were on a TDF-based regimen, 52 (77.6%) were treated with the Adriamycin, bleomycin and vinblastine protocol, and 55 (82.1%) had KS diagnosis before HIV diagnosis. All 67 patients had mucocutaneous lesions. Complete, partial response and stable disease occurred in 27 (40.3%), 10 (14.9%) and 7 (10.4%), respectively, 11 (16.4%) defaulted care during treatment, six patients died during treatment, four patients died before treatment while two patients had progressive disease during chemotherapy. Conclusion The diagnosis of KS preceded HIV in the majority of cases reviewed, with histology helpful to reduce misdiagnosis. Patients generally complied with their chemotherapy, with overall good response rate for this intervention implemented at primary health-care facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Owuor
- Center for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Jonathan Mwangi
- Division of Global HIV & TB, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Wekesa
- Center for Health Solutions - Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
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6
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Dzobo K. What to Do for Increasing Cancer Burden on the African Continent? Accelerating Public Health Diagnostics Innovation for Prevention and Early Intervention on Cancers. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2021; 25:567-579. [PMID: 34399067 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2021.0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
No other place illustrates the increasing burden of cancer than in Africa and in particular, sub-Saharan Africa. Many of the individuals to be diagnosed with cancer will be in low-resource settings in the future due to, for example, an increase in populations and aging, and high co-morbidity with infections with viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and human papillomavirus (HPV), as well as the presence of infectious agents linked to cancer development. Due to lack of prevention and diagnostic innovation, patients present with advanced cancers, leading to poor survival and increased mortality. HIV infection-associated cancers such as B cell lymphomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, and HPV-associated cancers such as cervical cancer are particularly noteworthy in this context. Recent reports show that a host of other cancers are also associated with viral infection and these include lung, oral cavity, esophageal, and pharyngeal, hepatocellular carcinoma, and anal and vulvar cancers. This article examines the ways in which diagnostic innovation empowered by integrative biology and informed by public health priorities can improve cancer prevention or early intervention in Africa and beyond. In addition, I argue that because diagnostic biomarkers can often overlap with novel therapeutic targets, diagnostics research and development can have broader value for and impact on medical innovation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, South Africa.,Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Division of Medical Biochemistry, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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7
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Freeman EE, Semeere A, McMahon DE, Byakwaga H, Laker-Oketta M, Regan S, Wenger M, Kasozi C, Ssemakadde M, Bwana M, Kanyesigye M, Kadama-Makanga P, Rotich E, Kisuya J, Wools-Kaloustian K, Bassett IV, Busakhala N, Martin J. Beyond T Staging in the "Treat-All" Era: Severity and Heterogeneity of Kaposi Sarcoma in East Africa. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2021; 87:1119-1127. [PMID: 33871409 PMCID: PMC8263487 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients with Kaposi sarcoma (KS) in sub-Saharan Africa are diagnosed with AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) T1 disease, T1 staging insufficiently captures clinical heterogeneity of advanced KS. Using a representative community-based sample, we detailed disease severity at diagnosis to inform KS staging and treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We performed rapid case ascertainment on people living with HIV, aged 18 years or older, newly diagnosed with KS from 2016 to 2019 at 3 clinic sites in Kenya and Uganda to ascertain disease stage as close as possible to diagnosis. We reported KS severity using ACTG and WHO staging criteria and detailed measurements that are not captured in the current staging systems. RESULTS We performed rapid case ascertainment within 1 month for 241 adults newly diagnosed with KS out of 389 adult patients with suspected KS. The study was 68% men with median age 35 years and median CD4 count 239. Most of the patients had advanced disease, with 82% qualifying as ACTG T1 and 64% as WHO severe/symptomatic KS. The most common ACTG T1 qualifiers were edema (79%), tumor-associated ulceration (24%), extensive oral KS (9%), pulmonary KS (7%), and gastrointestinal KS (4%). There was marked heterogeneity within T1 KS, with 25% of patients having 2 T1 qualifying symptoms and 3% having 3 or more. CONCLUSION Most of the patients newly diagnosed with KS had advanced stage disease, even in the current antiretroviral therapy "treat-all" era. We observed great clinical heterogeneity among advanced stage patients, leading to questions about whether all patients with advanced KS require the same treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E Freeman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Devon E McMahon
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Helen Byakwaga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Susan Regan
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Elyne Rotich
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | - Job Kisuya
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | - Ingrid V Bassett
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Naftali Busakhala
- Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare (AMPATH), Eldoret, Kenya
- Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
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8
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Ngalamika O, Munsaka S, Lidenge SJ, West JT, Wood C. Antiretroviral Therapy for HIV-Associated Cutaneous Kaposi's Sarcoma: Clinical, HIV-Related, and Sociodemographic Predictors of Outcome. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:368-372. [PMID: 33386064 PMCID: PMC8112720 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an AIDS-defining malignancy that can improve or worsen with antiretroviral therapy (ART). We aimed at identifying clinical, HIV-related, and sociodemographic factors associated with either progression or nonprogression (regression or stable disease) of ART-treated HIV-associated KS in patients with limited cutaneous disease. We conducted a prospective cohort study of ART-treated HIV-associated KS cases. Clinical, HIV-related, and sociodemographic variables were collected at baseline, and patients were followed up to determine treatment outcomes. Cox regression, linear mixed effects model, and Spearman's rank correlation were used for analysis. Half (50%) of the study participants had KS regression or stable disease, whereas the other half (50%) had disease progression during the treatment and follow-up period. Among the data analyzed, presence of KS nodules at baseline (hazard ratio = 5.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.32-22.65; p = .02) was an independent predictor of poor treatment outcome. Progressors and nonprogressors were indistinguishable in the changes they experienced in the HIV plasma viral load and CD4 counts as a result of ART. Even when cutaneous presentation is limited, the presence of nodular morphotype KS lesions should be considered an indicator for combined ART plus chemotherapy. Temporal trends in CD4 counts and HIV viral loads did not correlate with treatment outcome in ART-treated HIV-associated KS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Owen Ngalamika
- Dermatology and Venereology Section, Adult Hospital of the University Teaching Hospitals, University of Zambia School of Medicine, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Sody Munsaka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Salum J. Lidenge
- Ocean Road Cancer Institute, Academic and Research Unit, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Clinical Oncology Department, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Nebraska Center for Virology, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - John T. West
- Nebraska Center for Virology, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
| | - Charles Wood
- Nebraska Center for Virology, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, and University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA
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9
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Krown SE, Moser CB, MacPhail P, Matining RM, Godfrey C, Caruso SR, Hosseinipour MC, Samaneka W, Nyirenda M, Busakhala NW, Okuku FM, Kosgei J, Hoagland B, Mwelase N, Oliver VO, Burger H, Mngqibisa R, Nokta M, Campbell TB, Borok MZ. Treatment of advanced AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in resource-limited settings: a three-arm, open-label, randomised, non-inferiority trial. Lancet 2020; 395:1195-1207. [PMID: 32145827 PMCID: PMC7236082 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(19)33222-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal treatment regimens for AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma, a frequent contributor to morbidity and mortality among people with HIV, have not been systematically evaluated in low-income and middle-income countries, where the disease is most common. In this study, we aimed to investigate optimal treatment strategies for advanced stage disease in areas of high prevalence and limited resources. METHODS In this open-label, non-inferiority trial, we enrolled people with HIV and advanced stage AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma attending 11 AIDS Clinical Trials Group sites in Brazil, Kenya, Malawi, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Eligible participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) with a centralised computer system to receive either intravenous bleomycin and vincristine or oral etoposide (the investigational arms), or intravenous paclitaxel (the control arm), together with antiretroviral therapy (ART; combined efavirenz, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and emtricitabine). The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS) at week 48, using a 15% non-inferiority margin to compare the investigational groups against the active control group. Safety was assessed in all eligible treated study participants. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01435018. FINDINGS 334 participants were enrolled between Oct 1, 2013, and March 8, 2018, when the study was closed early due to inferiority of the bleomycin and vincristine plus ART arm, as per the recommendations of the Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). The etoposide plus ART arm also closed due to inferiority in March, 2016, following a DSMB recommendation. Week-48 PFS rates were higher in the paclitaxel plus ART arm than in both investigational arms. The absolute differences in PFS were -30% (95% CI -52 to -8) for the comparison of paclitaxel plus ART (week 48 PFS 50%, 32 to 67; n=59) and etoposide plus ART (20%, 6 to 33; n=59), and -20% (-33% to -7%) for the comparison of paclitaxel plus ART (64%, 55 to 73; n=138) and bleomycin and vincristine plus ART (44%, 35 to 53; n=132). Both CIs overlapped the non-inferiority margin. The most common adverse events, in 329 eligible participants who began treatment, were neutropenia (48 [15%]), low serum albumin (33 [10%]), weight loss (29 [9%]), and anaemia (28 [9%]), occurring at similar frequency across treatment arms. INTERPRETATION Non-inferiority of either investigational intervention was not shown, with paclitaxel plus ART showing superiority to both oral etoposide plus ART and bleomycin and vincristine plus ART, supporting its use in treating advanced AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma in resource-limited settings. FUNDING US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlee B Moser
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick MacPhail
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Roy M Matining
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Catherine Godfrey
- Division of AIDS, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Mina C Hosseinipour
- UNC Project-Malawi, Lilongwe, Malawi; Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Mulinda Nyirenda
- Johns Hopkins Research Project, University of Malawi College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
| | | | | | - Josphat Kosgei
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, USA Medical Directorate for Africa/Kenya, Kericho, Kenya
| | - Brenda Hoagland
- Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Noluthando Mwelase
- Clinical HIV Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Vincent O Oliver
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Centre for Global Health Research, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kisumu CRS, HIV-Research Branch, Kisumu, Kenya
| | - Henriette Burger
- Family Clinical Research Unit CRS, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa; Division of Radiation Oncology, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Rosie Mngqibisa
- Durban International Clinical Research Site, Enhancing Care Foundation, Durban, South Africa
| | - Mostafa Nokta
- Office of HIV and AIDS Malignancy, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Thomas B Campbell
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Margaret Z Borok
- Department of Medicine, University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences, Harare, Zimbabwe
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Using Media to Promote Public Awareness of Early Detection of Kaposi's Sarcoma in Africa. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2020; 2020:3254820. [PMID: 32280342 PMCID: PMC7115145 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3254820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite its hallmark cutaneous presentation, most Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) in Africa is diagnosed too late for effective treatment. Early diagnosis will only be achievable if patients with KS present earlier for care. We hypothesized that public awareness about KS can be enhanced through exposure to common media. Methods We developed educational messages regarding early detection of KS for the general African public portraying a three-part theme: “Look” (regularly examine one's skin/mouth), “Show” (bring to the attention of a healthcare provider any skin/mouth changes), and “Test” (ask for a biopsy for definitive diagnosis). We packaged the messages in three common media forms (comic strips, radio, and video) and tested their effect on increasing KS awareness among adults attending markets in Uganda. Participants were randomized to a single exposure to one of the media and evaluated for change in KS-related knowledge and attitudes. Results Among 420 participants, media exposure resulted in increased ability to identify KS (from 0.95% pretest to 46% posttest); awareness that anyone is at risk for KS (29% to 50%); belief that they may be at risk (63% to 76%); and knowledge that definitive diagnosis requires biopsy (23% to 51%) (all p < 0.001). Most participants (96%) found the media culturally appropriate. Conclusion Exposure to media featuring a theme of “Look,” “Show,” and “Test” resulted in changes in knowledge and attitudes concerning KS among the general public in Uganda. High incidence and poor survival of KS in Africa are an impetus to further evaluate these media, which are freely available online.
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Freeman EE, Busakhala N, Regan S, Asirwa FC, Wenger M, Seth D, Moon KC, Semeere A, Maurer T, Wools-Kaloustian K, Bassett I, Martin J. Real-world use of chemotherapy for Kaposi's sarcoma in a large community-based HIV primary care system in Kenya. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:71. [PMID: 31996161 PMCID: PMC6990575 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is one of the most common HIV-associated malignancies in sub-Saharan Africa. Worldwide, the availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART) has improved KS survival. In resource-rich settings, survival has also benefited from chemotherapy, which is widely available. Little is known, however, about the epidemiology of chemotherapy use for HIV-associated KS in resource-limited regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. METHODS We identified all patients newly diagnosed with HIV-related KS from 2009 to 2012 in the 26-clinic AMPATH network, a large community-based care network in Kenya. We ascertained disease severity at diagnosis, frequency of initiation of chemotherapy, and distribution of chemotherapeutic regimens used. Indications for chemotherapy included AIDS Clinical Trial Group T1 stage and/or "severe" disease defined by WHO KS treatment guidelines. RESULTS Of 674 patients diagnosed with KS, charts were available for 588; 61% were men, median age was 35 years, and median CD4 at KS diagnosis was 185 cells/μl. At time of diagnosis, 58% had at least one chemotherapy indication, and 22% had more than one indication. For patients with a chemotherapy indication, cumulative incidence of chemotherapy initiation (with death as a competing event) was 37% by 1 month and 56% by 1 year. Median time from diagnosis to chemotherapy initiation was 25 days (IQR 1-50 days). In multivariable regression, patients with > 3 chemotherapy indications at time of diagnosis had a 2.30 (95% CI 1.46-3.60) increased risk of rapid chemotherapy initiation (within 30 days of diagnosis) compared to those with only one chemotherapy indication (p < 0.001). Initial regimens were bleomycin-vincristine (78%), adriamycin-bleomycin-vincristine (11%), etoposide (7%), and gemcitabine (4%). CONCLUSIONS A substantial fraction of patients with KS in East Africa are diagnosed at advanced disease stage. For patients with chemotherapy indications, nearly half did not receive chemotherapy by one year. Liposomal anthracyclines, often used in resource-rich settings, were not first line. These findings emphasize challenges in East Africa cancer care, and highlight the need for further advocacy for improved access to higher quality chemotherapy in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther E Freeman
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA.
| | | | - Susan Regan
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Fredrick Chite Asirwa
- AMPATH, Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya
- Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | | | - Divya Seth
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Khatiya Chelidze Moon
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Aggrey Semeere
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Toby Maurer
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Ingrid Bassett
- Department of Dermatology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bartlett Hall 6R, 55 Fruit Street, Boston MA, MA, 02114, USA
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Fardhdiani V, Molfino L, Zamudio AG, Manuel R, Luciano G, Ciglenecki I, Rusch B, Toutous Trellu L, Coldiron ME. HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in Maputo, Mozambique: outcomes in a specialized treatment center, 2010-2015. Infect Agent Cancer 2018; 13:5. [PMID: 29387144 PMCID: PMC5775566 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-018-0177-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is a common HIV-associated malignancy associated with disability, pain and poor outcomes. The cornerstone of its treatment is antiretroviral therapy, but advanced disease necessitates the addition of chemotherapy. In high-income settings, this often consists of liposomal anthracyclines, but in Mozambique, the first line includes conventional doxorubicin, bleomycin and vincristine, which is poorly-tolerated. Médecins Sans Frontières supports the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a specialized HIV and KS treatment center at the Centro de Referencia de Alto Maé in Maputo. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of data collected on patients enrolled at the CRAM between 2010 and 2015, extracting routinely-collected clinical information from patient care databases. KS treatment followed national guidelines, and KS staging followed AIDS Clinical Trials Group and MOH criteria. Baseline description of the cohort and patient outcomes was performed. Risk factors for negative outcomes (death or loss to follow-up) were explored using Cox regression. Results Between 2010 and 2015, 1573 patients were enrolled, and 1210 began chemotherapy. A majority were young adult males. At enrollment, CD4 was < 200 cells/μl in 45% of patients. Among patients receiving chemotherapy, 78% received combination doxorubicin-bleomycin-vincristine. Among patients receiving chemotherapy, 43% were lost to follow-up and 8% were known to have died. In multivariate regression, the only risk factors identified with poor outcomes were CD4 < 100 cells/μl at enrollment (Risk ratio 1.5, 95%CI 1.1–2.1, p = 0.02 and having S1 disease (RR 1.7, 95%CI 1.2–2.3, p = 0.001). Discussion We describe a large cohort of patients receiving care for HIV-associated KS in a specialized clinic in an urban setting. Outcomes were nonetheless unsatisfactory. Efforts should be made to decrease late referrals and entry into care and to increase access to more effective and better-tolerated treatments like liposomal doxorubicin.
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