AIDS-associated cancers: an emerging challenge

To study the incidence and effects of anti-retroviral therapy along with cancer chemotherapy on outcome of AIDS associated Cancers in Indian patients. 3832 cancers patients were investigated over a period of 5 years. 46 AIDS-associated cancers were identified. HIV status was evaluated by ELISA, Western Blot, viral load and CD4/CD8 counts. Patients were treated with different modalities of cancer management and anti-retroviral therapy was discussed with the patient and relatives. Patients were followed up 6 monthly. Incidence of AIDS-associated cancers was 1.2 percent. AIDS-Defining Cancers (ADC) were seen in 26 (54.35%) while non-AIDS-Defining Cancers (NADC) were observed in 21 (45.65%). Non Hodgkin Lymphoma was the commonest form of AIDS-defining cancers in 21 (84%) patients, cervical cancers in 4 (16%) women while there was not a single case of Kaposi's Sarcoma. AIDS associated cancers were common in males. Mean age was 38.5 years. Only 33.5% patients received treatment for HIV and cancers. Development of immune reconstitution syndrome was observed in 9.09% patients. Hepatitis B infection was seen in only one patient (2.17%). AIDS-associated cancers are seen in advanced stage of HIV infection. Concurrent chemotherapy and anti-retroviral therapy for ARL is significantly effective. Cervical cancers and non-AIDS-defining cancers do not show predictable response to anti-retroviral therapy. Mortality in non-AIDS related cancers was significantly higher than AIDS related cancers.