Immunotherapy for HIV-associated non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The onset of the AIDS epidemic in 1981 was followed by descriptions of many opportunistic infections as well as several unusual cancers. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was classified as an AIDS-defining illness within 4 years, and is up to 200 times more common in HIV-positive patients. Immunotherapy for cancer has a surprisingly long heritage, but it is only recently that this approach has become established in oncology practice. Here, against a background of the history of immunotherapy, we review clinicopathological features of HIV-associated NHL and discuss current cancer immunotherapeutic treatments including immune reconstitution using highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, radioimmunotherapy, stem cell transplantation, cytokine therapy and vaccination. As the prognosis for HIV-associated NHL nears that of the general population, these approaches are of increasing importance and value.
Newsom-Davis
Thomas
T
Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, Oncology Department, 369 Fulham Road, London SW10 9NH, UK.
Ahamed
Eliyaz
E
Bower
Mark
M
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D019496:Cancer Vaccines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016207:Cytokines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D016483:Lymphoma, AIDS-Related / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D008228:Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D019496:Cancer Vaccines; D016207:Cytokines