Latest in AIDS-related Cancer Treatment and Research – Part I

Particular forms of cancer develop quite frequently among AIDS infected individuals that they are deemed AIDS defining conditions (or their existence in an HIV infected individual is a clear-cut indication of presence of a fully blown AIDS. These are additionally known as AIDS-related cancer types and comprise of:

• Lymphoma (particularly primary central nervous system, non-Hodgkin lymphoma types of lymphoma).
• Invasive sarcoma.
• Invasive cervical cancer.

HIV infected individuals might be more prone to developing other cancer forms like cancers affecting skin (basal or squamous cell, malignant melanoma), testicle, lungs, mouth, invasive anal cancer or even Hodgkin disease. Even individuals who are HIV/AIDS free could develop any of the above mentioned cancers, also those largely identified as AIDS-related. The AIDS-related cancer is merely a term used since they occur in HIV infected individuals.

In advanced countries such as the U.S., nearly four from ten AIDS infected individuals would go on to develop cancer in some course of their ailment. However, the cancer image in AIDS is fast evolving for the better. The rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma have dropped since HIV combatant therapy has been commonly employed. It appears that HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy – combinations of anti-HIV medications) usage has led to diminished cases of cancer in HIV infected individuals. Several other forms of cancer fail to be slowed down by HIV therapy and carry the analogous risk factors as HIV-free individuals. For example, smokers who are HIV infected have a greater likelihood of developing cancers afflicting the oral region, throat, lips or lungs as compared to individuals who are not infected with HIV and are non-smokers.

The association in-between AIDS and such cancers is yet not been totally comprehended. But, it is considered that cancers could develop swiftly due to the compromised immune system among HIV infected individuals as compared to those who are HIV-free. Weakened immune systems would also not respond favourably to cancer treatment. Another aspect is the depleted WBC count which might develop due to HIV infection. For example, AIDS could make its trickier for a cancer patient to undergo chemotherapy since the bone marrow (necessary for production of novel blood cells) is mostly already harmed due to the HIV infection. Individuals having damaged bone marrow mostly are not able to take complete chemotherapy dosages without facing grave repercussions.

Among those people who develop cancer, anti-HIV medications have improved the outlook with cancer combatant therapy. Anti HIV medications have additionally facilitated larger number of cancer patients in getting complete dosages of chemotherapy and several other benchmark therapies.