Multiple AIDS-related malignancies just in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy. A rare but intriguing finding.
Two exceedingly rare cases of dual AIDS-associated neoplasms (Kaposi's sarcoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma), occurring in a short time as AIDS-defining diseases of two HIV-infected patients treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) are reported and discussed in light of evidence from the available literature. A slowly progressive increase in neoplastic complications following the introduction of HAART and the consequent decline of opportunistic infections such as the main AIDS-related disorders has been observed, and combined cancer diseases may be expected in the next few years, due to the persistent dysregulation of the immune system, or a possible involvement of oncoviruses and HIV itself in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated cancer.
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Bologna "Alma Mater Studiorum", S. Orsola Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
Roberto
R
Manfredi
Leonardo
L
Calza
Francesco
F
Chiodo
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D002051:Burkitt Lymphoma / Q000209:etiology*; D005153:Facial Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D005770:Gastrointestinal Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / Q000209:etiology*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016609:Neoplasms, Second Primary / Q000209:etiology*; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000209:etiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology*