Length of human immunodeficiency virus disease and not immune status is a risk factor for development of anal carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
The anal epithelium is subject to dysplastic change in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine if the duration of HIV disease or the patient's immune status were associated with the development of anal carcinoma.


METHODS
HIV-positive patients diagnosed with anal neoplasms were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed via an unpaired Student t test and the Fisher exact test.


RESULTS
Fourteen patients were identified, 7 with anal intraepithelial neoplasms (group 1) and 7 with anal carcinoma (group 2). Human papillomavirus was detected in 100% of patients in group 1 and in 67% of patients in group 2. There was no significant difference in the level of immunosuppression as assessed by the CD4 counts (266.9 +/- 48.5 vs. 274.7 +/- 92.0 cell/c microl; P = .94) and viral loads (19,243 +/- 18,034 vs. 67,140 +/- 39,570 RNA/mL; P = .29) between groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 had been HIV positive for a significantly longer period of time (12.6 +/- 2.3 y) compared with group 1 (5.9 +/- 2.0 y, P = .05).


CONCLUSIONS
The most significant factor for the development of invasive anal carcinoma in patients with HIV is duration of disease. As a result of improved long-term survival secondary to new HIV therapy, anal invasive carcinoma will become an increasing problem.
Fagan
Shawn P
SP
Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Operative Care Line, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., VA 112, Houston, TX 77030, USA. sfagan@houston.rr.com
Bellows
Charles F
CF
Albo
Daniel
D
Rodriquez-Barradas
Maria
M
Feanny
Mark
M
Awad
Samir S
SS
Berger
David H
DH
D000328:Adult; D001005:Anus Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D001706:Biopsy; D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006678:HIV / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral