HIV-ASSOCIATED NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA: A CASE SERIES STUDY FROM TURKEY.

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a global health concern with major risks for opportunistic infections and predisposition to malignancies including Kaposi sarcoma associated with Human Herpes Virus-8 (HHV-8) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) commonly associated with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). Although the exact mechanisms of predisposition to certain malignancies are unclear, HIV (+) cancer patients typically have poorer prognosis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We included all five HIV positive NHL patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and chemotherapy in our clinic and aim to determine their follow-up outcomes associated with ART.

RESULTS

The use of ART in conjunction with chemotherapy regimens lead to better therapeutic outcome in our cases with no mortality over three years of follow-up despite high rates of poor prognostic factors and studies demonstrating 1-year survival rates of approximately 30% in HIV-associated lymphoma. No significant adverse effect has been recorded.

CONCLUSION

We recommend use of ART along with chemotherapy regimens in HIV positive lymphoma patients for better treatment response.