[Lung cancer in HIV-positive patients]

Abstract

Since 1996, AIDS-related mortality has declined considerably with the introduction of tritherapy (HAART). This decline in mortality has been associated with an increase in the proportion of deaths caused by cancers unrelated to AIDS, particularly lung cancer. The risk of developing lung cancer is higher in the HIV-seropositive population than in the aged-matched general population, undoubtedly because of the high rate of smoking, particularly among drug abusers, but also because of other reasons which remain to be determined. Mean age at the discovery of lung cancer in HIV+ patients is 45 years, and most are symptomatic. The diagnosis is established at a locally advanced or metastatic stage in 75-90% of patients, as in the general population. Adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type. The prognosis is worse in HIV+ patients than in patients with an undetermined HIV status. Evidence on the efficacy and toxicity of chemotherapy is insufficient to draw any conclusions. Surgery remains the treatment of choice for locally advanced disease if allowed by the clinical status and respiratory function. Prospective clinical studies are needed to define a better management strategy for lung cancer in HIV-positive patients.