HIV- positive anal cancer: an update for the clinician

Duration of Time CD4/CD8 Ratio is Below 0.5 is Associated with Progression to Anal Cancer in Patients with HIV and High-Grade Dysplasia

BACKGROUND

A CD4/CD8 ratio < 0.5 is associated with increased risk of advanced anal disease (AAD) but it is unknown if duration below 0.5 matters. The purpose of this study was to determine if duration of a CD4/CD8 ratio < 0.5 is associated with increased risk of invasive anal cancer (IC) in people living with HIV and high-grade dysplasia (HSIL).

METHODS

This single institution, retrospective study used the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer Database. Patients with IC versus HSIL alone were compared. Independent variables were mean and percentage of time the CD4/CD8 ratio was < 0.5. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to estimate the adjusted odds of anal cancer.

RESULTS

We identified 107 patients with HIV infection and AAD (87 with HSIL, 20 with IC). A history of smoking was significantly associated with the development of IC (95% in patients with IC vs. 64% in patients with HSIL; p = 0.015). Mean time the CD4/CD8 ratio was < 0.5 was significantly longer in patients with IC compared with patients with HSIL (7.7 years vs. 3.8 years; p = 0.002). Similarly, the mean percentage of time the CD4/CD8 ratio was < 0.5 was higher in those with IC versus those with HSIL (80% vs. 55%; p = 0.009). On multivariate analysis, duration CD4/CD8 ratio was < 0.5 was associated with increased odds of developing IC (odds ratio 1.25, 95% confidence interval 1.02-1.53; p = 0.034).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective, single-institution study of a cohort of people living with HIV and HSIL, increasing duration the CD4/CD8 ratio was < 0.5 was associated with increased odds of developing IC. Monitoring the number of years the CD4/CD8 ratio is < 0.5 could inform decision making in patients with HIV infection and HSIL.

HPV-Associated Anal Cancer Knowledge, Attitudes, and Health Communication Behaviors Among Non-clinical Providers at HIV/AIDS Service Organizations in Southern United States Region

Co-infection with HIV/HPV and bio-behavioral risk factors (e.g., immunodeficiency, un-protected sex) increase likelihood for developing anal and other HPV-associated cancers among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). We explored knowledge, attitudes, and health communication regarding HPV-associated anal cancers among HIV/AIDS service organization (ASO) employees/volunteers delivering non-clinical services to PLWHA. Participants (n=59) were recruited from six ASOs located in the South United States Census region and completed a 118-item self-administered survey. For current analyses, outcome measures were knowledge, attitudes, and health communication regarding anal cancer. Descriptive statistics assessed outcome measures which were subsequently dichotomized into binary variables (i.e., high/favorable or low/unfavorable). Fisher's exact test examined associations between outcome measures and ASO employees/volunteers' sex/sexual orientation (i.e., heterosexual female, heterosexual male, LGBTI female, LGBTI male). Mean age for ASO employees/volunteers was 45.5 years (±13.5 SD). Participants were heterosexual females (45.7%), LGBTI males (27.3%), heterosexual males (13.5%), and LGBTI females (13.5%). Almost half (44.8%) had not heard about anal Pap screening and 39.0% did not think HPV can cause anal cancer. Overall, 73.9% had low knowledge scores. Participants (47.4%) were unsure or believed HPV vaccinations were non-protective against anal cancer while 94.9% had favorable health communication behaviors. Knowledge regarding anal cancer being linked to HPV (p=0.006) and health information seeking on anal cancer (p=0.000) were statistically significantly different by sex/sexual orientation. Fostering increased knowledge, favorable attitudes, and improved health communication behaviors among ASO employees/volunteers could facilitate dissemination and promotion of anal cancer prevention strategies (anal Pap screenings, HPV vaccinations) among PLWHA.

Definitive Radiotherapy for Patients With Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background

Anal squamous cell carcinoma accounts for less than 2-3% of all digestive system carcinomas. The present study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, treatment patterns, and treatment outcomes of patients at our institution.

Methodology

We reviewed the clinical data of all consecutive patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma who were treated with definitive radiotherapy in our department between July 2009 and July 2020. Radiotherapy was delivered in 1.8-2 Gy daily fractions to a whole pelvic dose ranging from 45 to 50 Gy, followed by boost radiotherapy of 10-15 Gy, resulting in a total dose of approximately 60 Gy. Concurrent chemotherapy with radiotherapy included 5-fluorouracil/mitomycin C or 5-fluorouracil/cisplatin.

Results

A total of 14 patients with a median age of 61.5 years (range: 45-85 years) were analyzed. There were nine women and five men. The clinical T stage was T1 in two patients, T2 in six patients, T3 in two patients, and T4 in four patients. The clinical N stage was N0 in four patients and N1 in 10 patients. Patients with clinical stage III disease comprised 79% of the entire study population. For the entire cohort, the five-year overall survival rate was 83.3% and the five-year progression-free survival rate was 48.5%. One patient experienced grade 3 fecal incontinence, and the others experienced no radiation-induced severe delayed adverse events.

Conclusions

The results of our study demonstrated that definitive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy for patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma is an effective and feasible treatment.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Promotes Human Papillomavirus-Mediated Anal Squamous Carcinogenesis: An Immunologic and Pathobiologic Review

BACKGROUND

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy with rising incidence, both in the United States and internationally. The primary risk factor for anal SCC is human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. However, there is a growing burden of disease in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HPV coinfection, with the incidence of anal SCC significantly increasing in this population. This is particularly true in HIV-infected men. The epidemiologic correlation between HIV-HPV coinfection and anal SCC is established; however, the immunologic mechanisms underlying this relationship are not well understood.

SUMMARY

HIV-related immunosuppression due to low circulating CD4+ T cells is one component of increased risk, but other mechanisms, such as the effect of HIV on CD8+ T lymphocyte tumor infiltration and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in antitumor and antiviral response, is emerging as significant contributors. The goal of this article is to review existing research on HIV-HPV coinfected anal SCC and precancerous lesions, propose explanations for the detrimental synergy of HIV and HPV on the pathogenesis and immunologic response to HPV-associated cancers, and discuss implications for future treatments and immunotherapies in HIV-positive patients with HPV-mediated anal SCC. Key Messages: The incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma is increased in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients, even in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy. Locoregional HIV infection may enhance human papillomavirus oncogenicity. Chronic inflammation due to HIV infection may contribute to CD8+ T lymphocyte exhaustion by upregulating PD-1 expression, thereby blunting cytotoxic antitumor response.

Prevalence of High-Grade Anal Dysplasia and Anal Cancer in Veterans Living With HIV and CD4/CD8 Ratio as a Marker For Increased Risk: A Regional Retrospective Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The Department of Veterans Affairs cares for the largest population of patients with HIV of any healthcare system in the United States. Screening for anal dysplasia/cancer is recommended for all veterans with HIV. Exams are invasive, burdensome, and resource intensive. We currently lack markers of disease to tailor screening.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to establish the prevalence of advanced anal disease (high-grade dysplasia and anal cancer) and to determine whether CD4/CD8 ratio correlates with risk.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective regional cohort study of veterans with HIV.

SETTINGS

The study was conducted at eight medical centers between 2001 and 2019.

PATIENTS

Patients with advanced disease were compared with patients with nonadvanced anal pathology.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Logistic regression modeling was used to estimate adjusted odds of disease as a function of CD4/CD8. Lowest (nadir) CD4/CD8 and nearest CD4/CD8 ratio in each cohort were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 2267 veterans were included. Fifteen percent had anal pathology (112 with advanced disease (37 cancer and 75 high-grade), 222 with nonadvanced disease). Nadir and nearest ratio were lower in patients with advanced disease versus nonadvanced (0.24 vs 0.45 (p < 0.001) and 0.50 vs 0.88 (p < 0.001)). In adjusted models, a 1-unit increase in nadir or nearest ratio conferred decreased risk of advanced disease (OR = 0.19 (95% CI, 0.07-0.53); p < 0.001; OR = 0.22 (95% CI, 0.12-0.43); p < 0.001). Using a minimum sensitivity analysis, a cutoff nadir ratio of 0.42 or nearest ratio of 0.76 could be used to risk stratify.

LIMITATIONS

This was a retrospective analysis with a low screening rate.

CONCLUSIONS

In a regional cohort of veterans with HIV, 15% were formally assessed for anal dysplasia. Advanced anal disease was present in 33% of those screened, 5% of the HIV-positive population. A strong predictor of advanced disease in this cohort is the CD4/CD8 ratio, which is a promising marker to stratify screening practices. Risk stratification using CD4/CD8 has the potential to decrease burdensome invasive examinations for low-risk patients and to intensify examinations for those at high risk. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B528.

PREVALENCIA DE DISPLASIA ANAL DE ALTO GRADO Y CNCER ANAL EN VETERANOS QUE VIVEN CON EL VIH Y LA RELACIN CD / CD COMO MARCADOR DE MAYOR RIESGO UN ESTUDIO DE COHORTE REGIONAL RETROSPECTIVE

ANTECEDENTES:El Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos atiende a la población más grande de pacientes con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) de cualquier sistema de salud en los Estados Unidos. Se recomienda la detección de displasia / cáncer anal para todos los veteranos con VIH. Los exámenes son invasivos, onerosos y requieren muchos recursos. Actualmente carecemos de marcadores de enfermedad para adaptar la detección.OBJETIVO:Establecer la prevalencia de enfermedad anal avanzada (displasia de alto grado y cáncer anal) y determinar si la relación CD4 / CD8 se correlaciona con el riesgo.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte regional retrospectivo de veteranos con VIH.AJUSTE:Ocho centros médicos entre 2001-2019.PACIENTES:Se comparó a pacientes con enfermedad avanzada con pacientes con patología anal no avanzada.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Se utilizó un modelo de regresión logística para estimar las probabilidades ajustadas de enfermedad en función de CD4 / CD8. Se evaluó la relación CD4 / CD8 más baja (nadir) y la relación CD4 / CD8 más cercana en cada cohorte.RESULTADOS:Se incluyeron un total de 2267 veteranos. El 15% tenía patología anal (112 enfermedad avanzada (37 cáncer, 75 de alto grado), 222 enfermedad no avanzada). El nadir y el cociente más cercano fueron menores en los pacientes con enfermedad avanzada frente a los no avanzados (0,24 frente a 0,45 (p <0,001) y 0,50 frente a 0,88 (p <0,001)), respectivamente. En modelos ajustados, el aumento de una unidad en el nadir o el cociente más cercano confirió una disminución del riesgo de enfermedad avanzada (OR 0,19 (IC del 95%: 0,07, 0,53, p <0,001)) y (OR 0,22 (IC del 95%: 0,12, 0,43, p <0,001))), respectivamente. Utilizando un análisis de sensibilidad mínima, se podría utilizar un cociente del nadir de corte de 0,42 o el cociente más cercano de 0,76 para estratificar el riesgo.LIMITACIONES:Análisis retrospectivo con una tasa de detección baja.CONCLUSIONES:En una cohorte regional de veteranos con VIH, el 15% fueron evaluados formalmente por displasia anal. La enfermedad anal avanzada estuvo presente en el 33% de los examinados, el 5% de la población VIH +. Un fuerte predictor de enfermedad avanzada en esta cohorte es la relación CD4 / CD8, que es un marcador prometedor para estratificar las prácticas de detección. La estratificación del riesgo usando CD4 / CD8 tiene el potencial de disminuir los exámenes invasivos onerosos para los pacientes de bajo riesgo e intensificar los exámenes para los de alto riesgo. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B528.

Factors Impacting Differential Outcomes in the Definitive Radiation Treatment of Anal Cancer Between HIV-Positive and HIV-Negative Patients

BACKGROUND

Anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) is uncommon, yet seen more frequently in the setting of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Chemoradiotherapy is the definitive modality of treatment for patients with ASCC; this study examines factors impacting clinical outcomes in a large cohort of HIV-positive and HIV-negative patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted of patients treated for nonmetastatic ASCC at a single institution between 2005 and 2018. Freedom from local recurrence (FFLR), freedom from distant metastasis, and overall survival (OS) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and univariate and multivariate analysis were performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

During the study period, 111 patients initiated definitive treatment for ASCC. Median age of the entire cohort was 56.7 years (interquartile range, 51.5-63.5), with 52 patients (46.8%) being HIV-positive. At median follow-up of 28.0 months, the 2- and 5-year FFLR were 78.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.4-87.0) and 74.6% (95% CI, 65.8-84.5), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed time from diagnosis to treatment initiation (median, 8 weeks; hazard ratio, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03-1.10) to be significantly associated with worse FFLR and OS. HIV-positive patients had a trend toward worse FFLR (log-ranked p = .06). For HIV-positive patients with post-treatment CD4 less than 150 cells per mm3 , there was significantly worse OS (log-ranked p = .015).

CONCLUSION

A trend toward worse FFLR was seen in HIV-positive patients, despite similar baseline disease characteristics as HIV-negative patients. Worse FFLR and OS was significantly associated with increased time from diagnosis to treatment initiation. Poorer OS was seen in HIV-positive patients with a post-treatment CD4 count less than 150 cells per mm3 .

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients with anal squamous cell carcinoma can represent a difficult clinical scenario. Definitive radiation with concurrent chemotherapy is highly effective but can result in significant toxicity and a decrease in CD4 count that could predispose to HIV-related complications. As HIV-positive patients have largely been excluded from prospective clinical trials, this study seeks to provide greater understanding of their outcomes with radiation therapy, potential predictors of worse local control and overall survival, and those most at risk after completion of treatment.

Socioeconomic disparities in timeliness of care and outcomes for anal cancer patients

Background

Socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with diagnostic and treatment delays and survival in multiple cancers, but less data exist for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC). This study investigated the association between SES and outcomes for patients undergoing definitive chemoradiation therapy for ASCC.

Methods

One hundred and eleven patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic ASCC between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Socioeconomic predictor variables included primary payer, race, income, employment, and partnership status. Outcomes included the tumor‐node (TN) stage at diagnosis, the duration from diagnosis to treatment initiation, relapse‐free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). Age, gender, TN stage, and HIV status were analyzed as covariates in survival analysis.

Results

SES was not associated with the TN stage at diagnosis. SES factors associated with treatment initiation delays were Medicaid payer (P = .016) and single partnership status (P = .016). Compared to privately insured patients, Medicaid patients had lower 2‐year RFS (64.4% vs 93.8%, P = .021) and OS (82.9% vs 93.5%, P = .038). Similarly, relative to patients in the racial majority, racial minority patients had lower 2‐year RFS (53.3% vs 93.5%, P = .001) and OS (73.7% vs 92.6%, P = .008). Race was an independent predictor for both RFS (P = .027) and OS (P = .047).

Conclusions

These results highlight the impact of social contextual factors on health. Interventions targeted at socioeconomically vulnerable populations are needed to reduce disparities in ASCC outcomes.

Risk for malignancies of infectious etiology among adult survivors of specific non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes

Infectious agents have been identified in the etiology of certain non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) subtypes and solid tumors. The impact of this shared etiology on risk for second cancers in NHL survivors has not been comprehensively studied. We used US population-based cancer registry data to quantify risk of solid malignancies associated with infectious etiology among 127 044 adult 1-year survivors of the 4 most common NHL subtypes diagnosed during 2000 to 2014 (mean follow-up, 4.5-5.2 years). Compared with the general population, elevated risks for liver, stomach, and anal cancers were observed among diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) survivors (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 1.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.46-2.31; SIR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.16-1.94; SIR, 3.71; 95% CI, 2.52-5.27, respectively) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL; SIR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.34-2.83; SIR, 2.78; 95% CI, 2.02-3.74; SIR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.02-4.64, respectively) but not follicular lymphoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma. Anal cancer risk was particularly elevated among DLBCL survivors with HIV (SIR, 68.34; 95% CI, 37.36-114.66) vs those without (SIR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.22-3.34). The observed patterns are consistent with shared associations between these cancers and hepatitis C virus, Helicobacter pylori, and HIV, respectively. In contrast, risks for cervical and oropharyngeal/tonsil cancers were not elevated among survivors of any NHL subtype, possibly because of the lack of NHL association with human papillomavirus or population-wide screening practices (for cervical cancer). In summary, patterns of elevated second cancer risk differed by NHL subtype. Our results suggest shared infectious etiology has implications for subsequent cancer risks among DLBCL and MZL survivors, which may help inform surveillance for these survivors.

The burden of cancers associated with HIV in the South African public health sector, 2004-2014: a record linkage study

INTRODUCTION

The impact of South Africa's high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden on cancer risk is not fully understood, particularly in the context of antiretroviral treatment (ART) availability. We examined national cancer trends and excess cancer risk in people living with HIV (PLHIV) compared to those who are HIV-negative.

METHODS

We used probabilistic record linkage to match cancer records provided by the National Cancer Registry to HIV data provided by the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). We also used text search of specific HIV terms from the clinical section of pathology reports to determine HIV status of cancer patients. We used logistic and Joinpoint regression models to evaluate the risk and trends in cancers in PLHIV compared to HIV-negative patients from 2004 to 2014. In sensitivity analysis, we used inverse probability weighting (IPW) to correct for possible selection bias.

RESULTS

A total of 329,208 cancer cases from public sector laboratories were reported to the NCR from 2004 to 2014 with the HIV status known for 95,279 (28.9%) cancer cases. About 50% of all the female cancer cases (n = 30,486) with a known status were HIV-positive. PLHIV were at higher risk of AIDS-defining cancers (Kaposi sarcoma [adjusted OR:134, 95% CI:111-162], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [adjusted OR:2.73, 95% CI:2.56-2.91] and, cervix [adjusted OR:1.70, 95% CI:1.63-1.77], conjunctival cancer [adjusted OR:21.5, 95% CI:16.3-28.4] and human papilloma virus (HPV) related cancers (including; penis [adjusted OR:2.35, 95% CI:1.85-2.99], and vulva [adjusted OR:1.94, 95% CI:1.67-2.25]) compared to HIV-negative patients. Analysis using the IPW population yielded comparable results.

CONCLUSION

There is need for improved awareness and screening of conjunctival cancer and HPV-associated cancers at HIV care centres. Further research and discussion is warranted on inclusive HPV vaccination in PLHIV.

Anal Cancer Prevention Perspectives Among Foreign-Born Latino HIV-Infected Gay and Bisexual Men

This study explores understanding of primary and secondary prevention of anal cancer among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected foreign-born Latino gay and bisexual men (GBM). Between August 2015 and December 2016, researchers conducted 33 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with HIV-infected foreign-born Latino GBM. Interview questions sought to determine participants' knowledge and perceived barriers and facilitators to primary and secondary prevention of anal cancer. Researchers analyzed interview transcripts using a qualitative content analysis approach. For primary prevention, men reported a lack of knowledge about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. However, for secondary prevention, roughly 60% of participants had previously screened for anal dysplasia via anal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. However, participants reported willingness to screen, and provider recommendation was the most common screening facilitator. Men reported stigma related to their HIV status, sexual orientation, and anal Pap smear procedures as anal cancer screening barriers. Participants reported willingness to use a self-screening anal Pap smear test if it was commercially available. Health providers continue to be the leading source of health information. Therefore, provider recommendation for HPV vaccination and anal cancer screening among age-eligible foreign-born Latino HIV-infected GBM is critical. More work is needed to destigmatize HIV and sexual orientation to influence positive health behaviors among this population. Future intervention research could test the effects of provider-led interventions and also media campaigns aimed at influencing HPV vaccine uptake and anal cancer screening among this population.

Basic Science, Epidemiology, and Screening for Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia and Its Relationship to Anal Squamous Cell Cancer

Despite the progress made in the reduction of squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix, the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) has been increasing since 1992. While it remains an uncommon disease, the prevalence is climbing steadily. Among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults, especially men who have sex with men, ASCC is one of the more common non-AIDS-defining malignancies. The precursor lesion, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN), is prevalent in the HIV-infected population. More than 90% of ASCCs are related to human papilloma virus (HPV), oncogenic types (HPV 16, 18). While the biology of HPV-related intraepithelial neoplasia is consistent in the anogenital area, the natural history of AIN is poorly understood and is not identical to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). CIN is also considered an AIDS-defining malignancy, and the methods for screening and prevention of AIN are derived from the CIN literature. This article will discuss the epidemiology of ASCC and its association with HPV and the life cycle of the HPV, and the molecular changes that lead to clearance, productive infection, latency, and persistence. The immunology of HPV infection will discuss natural immunity, humoral and cellular immunity, and how the HPV virus evades and interferes with these mechanisms. We will also discuss high-risk factors for developing AIN in high-risk patient populations with relation to infections (HIV, HPV, and chlamydia infections), prolonged immunocompromised people, and sexual behavior and tobacco abuse. We will also discuss the pre- and post-HAART era and its effect on AINs and ASCC. Finally, we will discuss the importance of anal cytology and high-resolution anoscopy with and without biopsy in this high-risk population.

HPV genotypes detected by linear array and next-generation sequencing in anal samples from HIV positive men who have sex with men in Mexico

The incidence of anal cancer has been rising, especially in HIV+ patients and has been associated with HPV infection. HIV+ patients are more at risk of HPV coinfection and are seven times more likely to have persistent HPV infection; moreover, HIV+ men have an increased risk of developing anal cancer compared to HIV+ women. The development of screening strategies for the detection of HPV in HIV+ men is of major importance; however, there is not enough information about the HPV genotypes and variants that are colonizing the anal epithelia of HIV+ men in diverse geographical regions. Therefore, this work was aimed at identifying HPV genotypes present in the anal epithelium of HIV+ men who have sex with men (MSM), with or without anal lesions (n = 75). For HPV genotyping, two approaches were performed: Linear Array HPV Genotyping Test and next-generation sequencing (NGS). In general, the six most frequent HPV genotypes found by Linear Array were HPV6, 62, 61, 81, 16 and 51. On the other hand, employing NGS, a total of 36 HPV genotypes belonging to both alpha and beta genera were found. The genotypes with the greatest number of reads, according to the diagnostic group, were: HPV81, 45, 6, 51 and 61 in MSM without anal lesions (WAIN); HPV6, 61, 70, 62 and 66 in MSM with atypical lesions (AAL); HPV6, 11, 66, 81 and 61 in MSM with anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade I (AIN I); and HPV16, 81, 58, 61 and 52 with AIN III. Additionally, a great diversity of L1 variants was observed, especially in genotypes HPV16, 58, 61, 52, 45 and 59.

The HIV manifestations within the gastrointestinal tract: A pictorial review

The aim of the pictorial review are to review the HIV manifestations within the gastrointestinal tract. We have detailed five conditions, with reference to the patients’ CD4 count – gastrointestinal tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, small bowel lymphoma, cytomegalovirus colitis and anal carcinoma.

Persistent Low-Risk and High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Infections of the Uterine Cervix in HIV-Negative and HIV-Positive Women

BACKGROUND

The prevalence, persistence, and multiplicity of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection appears different comparing HIV-positive to HIV-negative women. In this study, we examined prevalent, persistent, and multiple low- and high-risk cervical HPV infections in HIV-negative and HIV-positive women.

METHODS

We studied 1,020 women involved in a study of HPV infection using SPF₂₅/LiPA₁₀. Two study visits were scheduled, at enrollment and 6 months afterward. At each study visit, research nurses used a cervical brush to collect samples of exfoliated cervical cells from the cervical os, from all the study participants. Exact logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between HIV and HPV infections.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) age of the study participants was 38 (8) years, 56% were HIV-negative and 44% were HIV-positive. Among HIV-negative women at baseline, single low-risk HPV (lrHPV) infections occurred in 12%; multiple lrHPV in 2%; single high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) infections in 9%, and multiple hrHPV infections in 2%. Single lrHPV infections were persistent in 6%, but there was no persistent multiple lrHPV infections. Single hrHPV infections were persistent in 4% while multiple hrHPV infections were persistent in 0.3%. Among HIV-positive women at baseline, single lrHPV infections occurred in 19%, multiple lrHPV in 6%, single hrHPV infections in 17%, and multiple hrHPV infections occurred in 12%. Single lrHPV infections were persistent in 9%, multiple lrHPV infections in 0.6%, single hrHPV infections in 13%, while multiple hrHPV were persistent in 3%. Prevalent, persistent, and multiple infections were more common in HIV-positive women, compared to HIV-negative women. In multivariate models adjusted for age, marital status, socioeconomic status, age at sexual initiation, and douching, the odds ratios comparing HIV-positive to HIV-negative women, were 2.09 (95% CI 1.47-2.97, p < 0.001) for prevalent lrHPV, 1.26 (95% CI 0.66-2.40, p 0.47) for persistent lrHPV infections, 3.38 (95% CI 2.34-4.87, p < 0.001) for prevalent hrHPV, and 4.49 (95% CI 2.26-8.91, p < 0.001) for persistent hrHPV infections.

CONCLUSION

HIV infection was associated with higher prevalence of lrHPV, hrHPV, and persistence hrHPV infections, but not persistent lrHPV infections.

Non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome definings malignancies among human immunodeficiency virus-positive subjects: Epidemiology and outcome after two decades of HAART era

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been widely available in industrialized countries since 1996; its widespread use determined a dramatic decline in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality, and consequently, a significant decrease of AIDS-defining cancers. However the increased mean age of HIV-infected patients, prolonged exposure to environmental and lifestyle cancer risk factors, and coinfection with oncogenic viruses contributed to the emergence of other malignancies that are considered non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) as a relevant fraction of morbidity and mortality among HIV-infected people twenty years after HAART introduction. The role of immunosuppression in the pathogenesis of NADCs is not well defined, and future researches should investigate the etiology of NADCs. In the last years there is a growing evidence that intensive chemotherapy regimens and radiotherapy could be safely administrated to HIV-positive patients while continuing HAART. This requires a multidisciplinary approach and a close co-operation of oncologists and HIV-physicians in order to best manage compliance of patients to treatment and to face drug-related side effects. Here we review the main epidemiological features, risk factors and clinical behavior of the more common NADCs, such as lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer and anal cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and some cutaneous malignancies, focusing also on the current therapeutic approaches and preventive screening strategies.

Radiation therapy of anal canal cancer: from conformal therapy to volumetric modulated arc therapy

BACKGROUND

To appraise the role of volumetric modulated arc (RapidArc, RA) in the treatment of anal canal carcinoma (ACC).

METHODS

A retrospective analysis has been conducted on 36 patients treated with RA since 2009 comparing outcome against a group of 28 patients treated with conformal therapy (CRT). RA treatments were prescribed with SIB technique with 59.4 Gy to the primary tumor and nodes and 49.5 Gy to the elective nodes. CRT was sequentially delivered with 45 Gy to the pelvic target and a boost of 14.4 Gy to the primary tumor.

RESULTS

Median age of patients was 65 yrs for RA (59 yrs for CRT); 90% had Stage II-III (93% in the CRT group). No statistically significant differences were observed concerning survival or control. 5 yrs disease specific survival was 85.7% and 81.2%, loco-regional control was of 78.1% and 82.1% for RA and CRT respectively. RA treatments lead to lower incidence of higher grade of toxicity events (all retrospectively retrieved from charts as worse events). Grade 2-3 toxicity, compared to CRT, reduced from 89% to 68% for GI, from 39% to 33% for GU and from 82% to 75% for the skin. Late toxicity was as follows: 5/36 (14%) and 3/36 (8%) patients had G1 or G2 GI toxicity in the RA group (1/28 (4%) and 4/28 (14%) in the CRT group). GU late toxicity was observed only in 4/28 (14%) patients of the CRT group: 3/28 (11%) had G2 and 1/28 (4%) had G1.

CONCLUSIONS

RA treatments of ACC patients proved to be equally effective than CRT but it was associated to a reduction of toxicity.

Effects of smoking on non-AIDS-related morbidity in HIV-infected patients

Tobacco smoking has many adverse health consequences. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection smoke at very high rates, and many of the comorbidities associated with smoking in the general population are more prevalent in this population. It is likely that a combination of higher smoking rates along with an altered response to cigarette smoke throughout the body in persons with HIV infection leads to increased rates of the known conditions related to smoking. Several AIDS-defining conditions associated with smoking have been reviewed elsewhere. This review aims to summarize the data on non-AIDS-related health consequences of smoking in the HIV-infected population and explore evidence for the potential compounding effects on chronic systemic inflammation due to HIV infection and smoking.