HIV and Cancer: An Overview of AIDS-Defining and Non-AIDS-Defining Cancers in Patients With HIV

Abstract

People living with HIV are at an increased risk of cancer and often face worse outcomes because of treatment disparities, including increased mortality. When the immune system is severely compromised from HIV infection, AIDS can develop and result in an even greater risk for life-threatening disease or cancer. In addition, patients with HIV receiving cancer treatment require close monitoring for potential drug interactions and toxicities, particularly related to preventing opportunistic infections. Oncology nurses are ideal patient advocates to promote cancer prevention and screening strategies among this population. This article reviews associated risk factors for AIDS-defining and non-AIDS-defining cancers in patients with HIV.

Keywords: AIDS; AIDS-defining cancers; HIV; health disparities; non–AIDS-defining cancers.