HIV and AIDS Related Cancer
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, HIV will progress into Acquired Immune-Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which is characterised by opportunistic infections and tumours that are usually fatal if untreated. There are 4 stages of through which the condition progresses, covering: infection; asymptomatic; symtomatic and; the progression of HIV to AIDS. Please visit our Physiopedia page to learn more about the stages of HIV infection. AIDS is defined by the development of certain cancers, infections or other severe long-term clinical manifestations[1].
People living with HIV or AIDS are more likely to get certain types of cancers. These cancers can be classified into either: AIDS defining cancers, where developing certain cancer signifies that the HIV infection has progressed to AIDS; or Non-AIDS defining cancers.
Aetiology[edit | edit source]
Some types of HIV and AIDS related cancer have been linked to certain viruses, for example the human papillomavirus (HPV) virus has been linked to cervical and anal cancer along with other types. As the HIV infection compromises the body's immune system, infected individuals are at greater risk of opportunistic viral infections. It has been questioned whether the increased rate of cancer in people with HIV/AIDS was due to lifestyle or other risk factors[2]. However, research has found that other immune-deficient populations, such as transplant recipients, show a similar pattern of increased risk of certain cancers[3]; this indicates that the immune deficiency, rather than other life-style related factors are responsible for the increased risk.
Incidence[edit | edit source]
- Having HIV/AIDS creates a greater risk for developing AIDS-related cancers. Kaposi's sarcoma is rare in people without HIV or AIDS.
But the overall rate of AIDS-related cancers has decreased due to the success of anti-retroviral therapy.
[Table showing incidence in US]
Types of HIV and Aids Related Cancer[edit | edit source]
AIDS-defining cancers[edit | edit source]
Kaposi’s sarcoma, aggressive B-cell lymphomas, and invasive cervical cancer are all considered to be AIDS-defining cancers when they develop in patients with HIV infection.
Non-AIDS-defining cancers[edit | edit source]
This larger group of cancers are known to be associated with HIV infection, in that there is a larger incidence in people with an HIV infection.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Most HIV and AIDS related cancers are caused by oncogenic viruses and are potentially preventable. The most important methods of prevention are early diagnosis and treatment of HIV with anti-retroviral therapy[4].
Implications for Physiotherapy[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ World Health Organisation. HIV/AIDS [online]. 2022. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids. [Accessed 17 Jan 2022]
- ↑ Frisch M, Biggar RJ, Engels EA, Goedert JJ. Association of cancer with AIDS-related immunosuppression in adults. Journal of the American Medical Association. 2001; 285: 1736–45. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11277828/ [Accessed 17 Jan 2022]
- ↑ Grulich A, van Leeuwen M, Falster M, Vajdic C. Incidence of cancers in people with HIV/AIDS compared with immunosuppressed transplant recipients: a meta-analysis. Lancet. 2007; 370: 59–67. Available from: https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.1077.5667&rep=rep1&type=pdf [Accessed 17 Jan 2022]
- ↑ Yarchoan R, Uldrick TS. HIV-Associated Cancers and Related Diseases. N Engl J Med. 2018 Mar 15;378(11):1029-1041. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6890231/[Accessed 17 Jan 2022]
