Medical Assistance in Death as a Unique Opportunity to Advance Human Immunodeficiency Virus Cure Research

Abstract

The inability to sample deep-tissue reservoirs in individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has greatly hindered accurate estimates of viral reservoir size and distribution. Animal models and collection of tissues during autopsies of HIV-positive individuals are 2 proposed solutions to this problem. Each, however, has its limitations. In this Viewpoint, we argue that tissue donation following medical assistance in death (MAiD) will form an invaluable resource for the characterization of the viral reservoir in the context of current HIV cure research. In support, we discuss a recent instance in which an individual living with HIV chose to donate their body/tissues to HIV research prior to undergoing MAiD at our institution. Going forward, we hope this will help provide support to individuals in their decisions around tissue donation following MAiD, while highlighting how healthcare providers, by complying with such wishes, can affect patient satisfaction in the last days of life.

Keywords: HIV; cure; medical assistance in death; postmortem; reservoir.