Regression of invasive conjunctival squamous carcinoma in an HIV-positive patient on antiretroviral therapy.
Case history of an African woman presenting with advanced HIV and a painful conjunctival lesion is presented. A conjunctival biopsy revealed invasive squamous cell carcinoma, with orbital invasion on computed tomography scan. She was commenced on antiretroviral therapy. She refused surgery to remove the eye and orbital contents (exenteration), and was referred to palliative care. Gradually, her immune status and ocular symptoms improved. At ophthalmic review, the tumour had apparently completely regressed. This unprecedented phenomenon may be due to antiretroviral therapy. Discussion covers conjunctival carcinoma and behaviour of HIV-related tumours with antiretroviral therapy. Antiretroviral drugs may offer a better alternative to disfiguring surgery in the future.
Holkar
S
S
Department of Genitourinary Medicine, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, UK. dswellwood@aol.com
Mudhar
H S
HS
Jain
A
A
Gupta
M
M
Rogstad
K E
KE
Parsons
M A
MA
Singh
A D
AD
Rennie
I G
IG
D000328:Adult; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D003230:Conjunctival Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans