Association of Immunosuppression and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Viremia With Anal Cancer Risk in Persons Living With HIV in the United States and Canada

Human Papillomavirus Type 16 E6 Seroprevalence among Men Living with HIV without HPV-Driven Malignancies

Individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at a higher risk for developing human papillomavirus-driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV + OPSCC). There are no methods for early detection; however, HPV16 E6 antibodies have been identified as a promising early marker. The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of HPV16 E6 antibodies among men living with HIV, with secondary objectives of analyzing clinical and serologic predictors of HPV16 E6 seropositivity. Banked blood specimens from 2,320 men ages ≥40 years living with HIV in Tennessee were evaluated for the following HPV16 antibodies: L1, E1, E2, E4, E6, and E7. HPV16 E6 antibody levels were further categorized as moderate or high. Demographic, clinical, and serologic determinants of HPV16 E6 seropositivity were evaluated using logistic regression. HPV16 L1 antibodies were most common (22.8%), followed by E4 (10.5%), E6 (5.6%), E2 (4.8%), and E7 (4.0%). Of the 130 HPV16 E6 seropositives, 55 (2.4%) had moderate and 75 (3.2%) had high seropositivity. HPV16 E6 seropositive men had nearly twofold greater odds of seropositivity against one additional HPV16 E antigen [OR: 1.67 (95% CI, 1.10-2.52); P = 0.015] and more than threefold greater odds of seroreactivity against two additional HPV16 E antigens [OR: 3.21 (95% CI, 1.40-7.33); P = 0.006]. HPV16 E6 seropositivity was not associated with the clinical or demographic factors evaluated. In the largest study to date, HPV16 E6 seroprevalence was elevated compared with prior studies in HIV populations (range: 1.1%-3.2%) and likely reflects the high incidence of HPV + OPSCC in the Southeast region of the United States. Prevention Relevance: Our findings fill an important gap, given that our study is the largest to date to evaluate HPV antibodies among men living with HIV and is the first study to do so in the Southeastern United States, the region with the highest prevalence of both HIV and HPV + OPSCC in the nation.

Males Have Lower Anal Pap Smear Screening in a Miami Safety-Net HIV Clinic

BACKGROUND

Although people with HIV have a markedly higher risk of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC), there are few evaluations of anal Pap screening determinants within safety-net HIV clinics.

METHOD

We conducted an evaluation of anal Pap screening correlates within a safety-net HIV clinic in Miami. Medical records were reviewed for 298 people ages 45 and older receiving HIV primary care. Demographic information and the prevalence of anal Pap screening over 1 year (i.e., 2018-2019) were extracted.

RESULTS

Between 2018 and 2019, approximately half (46%) of patients completed anal Pap screening although this varied by sex assigned at birth. More than three-fourths of females (77%) compared to one-fourth (23%) of males were screened between 2018 and 2019 (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Findings underscore the need for multi-level intervention approaches to optimize anal Pap screening among males with HIV within the Miami-based safety-net clinic.

HIV-1 Viremia and Cancer Risk in 2.8 Million People: the South African HIV Cancer Match Study

BACKGROUND

Most research on HIV-1 viremia and cancer risk is from high-income countries. We evaluated the association between HIV-1 viremia and the risk of various cancer types among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa.

METHODS

We analysed data from the South African HIV Cancer Match study, based on laboratory measurements from the National Health Laboratory Services and cancer records from the National Cancer Registry from 2004-2014. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) for cancer incidence per unit increase in time-updated Log10 HIV-1 RNA viral load copies/mL. We created partially adjusted (sex, age, calendar year) and fully adjusted models (additionally including time-updated CD4 count).

RESULTS

We included 2,770,200 PWH with 10,175 incident cancers; most common were cervical cancer (N=2,481), Kaposi sarcoma (N=1,902), breast cancer (N=1,063), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (N=863). Hazard ratios for the association of HIV-1 viremia and cancer risk changed after partial and full adjustment and were generally attenuated for infection-related cancers but tended to increase for infection-unrelated cancers. In the fully adjusted model, HIV-1 viremia was associated with an increased risk of Kaposi sarcoma (HR per unit increase in Log10 HIV-1 RNA viral load: 1.38, 95% CI 1.35-1.42), leukemia (HR: 1.28, 95% CI 1.13-1.45), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR: 1.24, 95% CI 1.19-1.29), conjunctival cancer (HR: 1.19, 95% CI 1.11-1.25), and colorectal cancer (HR: 1.11, 95% CI 1.02-1.21). Associations with other cancer types were weaker or absent.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings underline the importance of sustained viral suppression for cancer prevention among PWH in South Africa.

Prevalence of HPV in anal cancer: exploring the role of infection and inflammation

Anal cancer incidence is rising globally, driven primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. HPV, especially high-risk types 16 and 18, is considered a necessary cause of anal squamous cell carcinoma. Certain populations like people living with HIV, men who have sex with men, inflammatory bowel disease patients, smokers, and those with compromised immunity face elevated risk. Chronic inflammation facilitates viral persistence, cell transformation, and immune evasion through pathways involving the PD-1/PD-L1 axis. HIV coinfection further increases risk by impairing immune surveillance and epithelial integrity while promoting HPV oncogene expression. Understanding these inflammatory processes, including roles of CD8 + T cells and PD-1/PD-L1, could guide development of immunotherapies against anal cancer. This review summarizes current knowledge on inflammation's role in anal cancer pathogenesis and the interplay between HPV, HIV, and host immune factors.

Clinical Predictors and Outcomes of Invasive Anal Cancer for People With HIV in an Inception Cohort

BACKGROUND

Due to the heterogeneity of risk for invasive anal cancer (IAC) among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH), we investigated predictors of IAC and described outcomes among those with a cancer diagnosis.

METHODS

Using a longitudinal inception cohort of anal cancer screening, we evaluated risk factors and outcome probabilities for incident IAC in Cox models. Screening included anal cytology and digital anorectal examination, and, if results of either were abnormal, high-resolution anoscopy.

RESULTS

Between 30 November 2006 and 3 March 2021, a total of 8139 PWH received care at the University of California, San Diego, with 4105 individuals undergoing screening and subsequently followed up over a median of 5.5 years. Anal cancer developed in 33 of them. IAC was more likely to develop in patients with anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (aHSILs) on initial or subsequent follow-up cytology (hazard ratio, 4.54) and a nadir CD4 cell count ≤200/µL (2.99). The joint effect of aHSILs and nadir CD4 cell count ≤200/µL amplified the hazard of IAC by 9-fold compared with the absence of both. PWH with time-updated cytology aHSIL and CD4 cell counts ≤200/µL had 5- and 10-year probabilities of IAC of 3.40% and 4.27%, respectively. Twelve individuals with cancer died, 7 (21% of the total 33) due to cancer progression, and they had clinical stage IIIA or higher cancer at initial diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

PWH with both aHSIL and a nadir CD4 cell count ≤200/µL have the highest risk of IAC. PWH who died due to IAC progression had clinical stage IIIA cancer or higher at diagnosis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis through high-resolution anoscopic screening.

Identifying risk factors for anal cancer in people with HIV in Spain: a multicentre retrospective cohort study nested in the PISCIS cohort

BACKGROUND

People with HIV have a substantially higher risk of anal cancer than the general population. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of anal cancer among people with HIV to implement more effective and targeted screening strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a multicentre retrospective cohort study in 16 hospitals across Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Spain, between Jan 1, 1998, and Dec 31, 2022. Treatment-naive people with HIV nested in the PISCIS cohort aged 16 years and older with biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma of the anus or anal canal were eligible for inclusion. Data were retrieved from every hospital registry and were centrally validated in the PISCIS cohort and the Public Data Analysis for Health Research and Innovation Program. The primary outcome was the incidence rate (IR) of histologically confirmed anal cancer. We used Poisson regression to examine the association between the following risk factors and incidence of anal cancer: age, mode of HIV transmission, nadir CD4 cell count, and time period of HIV diagnosis.

FINDINGS

Among 14 238 people with HIV, 107 (0·8%) developed anal cancer, with an overall IR of 72·5 cases per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 59·4-87·6) and median follow-up of 9·5 years (IQR 4·4-15·7). Of these patients with anal cancer, 37 (34·6%) died, of which 24 (64·9%) deaths were related to anal cancer. Incidence was highest among people with HIV with historical nadir CD4 counts of less than 200 cells per μL (IR 105·0 person-years, 95% CI 82·0-132·5) and lowest among those with counts of more than 350 cells per μL (2·9 person-years, 0·1-16·0). Among men who have sex with men (MSM), the IR was 211·5 person-years (95% CI 151·1-211·7) among those with a CD4 count of less than 200 cells per μL, 37·6 person-years (16·2-74·1) among those with a count of 200-350 cells per μL, and 4·8 person-years (0·1-26·9) among those with a count of more than 350 cells per μL. Among people with HIV younger than 30 years, there were no cases of anal cancer among women or men who do not have sex with men, and one case among MSM with a nadir CD4 count of more than 350 cells per μL (IR 4·8 person-years, 95% CI 0·1-26·9). In the multivariable analysis, people with HIV with nadir CD4 counts of more than 350 cells per μL had the lowest risk of developing anal cancer, compared with people with HIV with counts of less than 200 cells per μL (adjusted IR ratio 0·03, 95% CI 0·00-0·25; p=0·0010) or 200-350 cells per μL (0·30, 0·17-0·55; p<0·0001). Compared with people with HIV younger than 30 years, people with HIV aged 60 years and older had an adjusted IR ratio of 27·6 (3·7-206·9; p=0·0010) and people with HIV aged 45-59 years of 21·6 (3·0-156·4; p=0·0020). Compared with individuals diagnosed after 2015, a diagnosis of HIV before 1998 had an adjusted IR ratio of 33·0 (7·9-137·5; p<0·0001).

INTERPRETATION

A nadir CD4 count threshold below 350 cells per μL, particularly less than 200 cells per μL, has the potential to identify people with HIV at heightened risk of developing anal cancer. Customised screening strategies that prioritise screening for individuals at high risk with this surrogate marker could maximise available resources. External validation of these data with other cohorts is required before screening recommendations can be updated.

FUNDING

Catalan Health Department, Generalitat de Catalunya.

Real-world use of antiretroviral therapy and risk of cancer among people with HIV in Texas

BACKGROUND

Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may reduce cancer risk among people with HIV (PWH), but cancer-specific associations are incompletely understood.

METHODS

We linked HIV and cancer registries in Texas to a national prescription claims database. cART use was quantified as the proportion of days covered (PDC). Cox proportional hazards models assessed associations of cancer risk with cART usage, adjusting for demographic characteristics, AIDS status, and time since HIV report.

RESULTS

We evaluated 63 694 PWH followed for 276 804 person-years. The median cART PDC was 21.4% (interquartile range: 0.0-59.8%). cART use was associated with reduced risk of Kaposi sarcoma [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-0.68 relative to unexposed status] and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR 0.41, 95% CI 0.31-0.53), liver cancer (aHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.39-0.96), anal cancer (aHR 0.65, 95% CI 0.46-0.92), and a miscellaneous group of 'other' cancers (aHR 0.80, 95% CI 0.66-0.98). In contrast, cART-exposed status was not associated with risk for cervical, lung, colorectal, prostate or breast cancers.

CONCLUSION

In a large HIV cohort incorporating data from prescription claims, cART was associated with greatly reduced risks of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and to a lesser degree, reduced risks of liver and anal cancers. These associations likely reflect the beneficial effects of HIV suppression and improved immune control of oncogenic viruses. Efforts to increase cART use and adherence may further decrease cancer incidence among PWH.

The Association of HIV Control and Immunosuppression With Risk of Non-AIDS-Defining Cancer Risk Among Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PWH) are experiencing an increased prevalence of non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). Our study investigated the association of immunosuppression and HIV control with NADCs among PWH on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in the United States.

METHODS

Among patients across 8 clinical cohorts on ART between 1996 and 2016, we assessed immune function and HIV control using 3 parameterizations of CD4 count and HIV-RNA viral load (VL): (1) CD4 or VL at ART initiation; (2) change in CD4 or VL after ART initiation; and (3) proportion of follow-up time at CD4 >500 cells/µL or VL <50 copies/mL. Cox models were used to ascertain the association of these measures with risk of a viral NADC or nonviral NADC.

RESULTS

Among 29,568 patients on ART, there were 410 nonviral NADCs and 213 viral NADCs. PWH with a CD4 <200 cells/µL at ART initiation had an 80% elevated risk for developing a viral NADC. Each increase of 100 cells/µL in CD4 after ART initiation decreased risk by 14%. For viral and nonviral NADCs, 10% more follow-up time spent with a CD4 >500 cells/µL was associated with decreased risk [viral, adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 0.82; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.78 to 0.86; nonviral, aHR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.86 to 91], even after accounting for CD4 at ART initiation. When examining HIV control only, 10% more time with VL <50 copies/mL was significantly associated with decreased viral (aHR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.89) and nonviral NADC risk (aHR: 0.88; 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that even for PWH on ART therapy, maintaining HIV control is associated with lower risk of both viral and nonviral NADCs.

Autoimmune disease and the risk of anal cancer in the US population aged 66 years and over

BACKGROUND

In the United States, anal squamous cell carcinoma rates have increased rapidly, particularly among women 50 or older than 66 years of age. As immunosuppression is associated with increased risk, autoimmune conditions may be associated with greater risk of anal squamous cell carcinoma.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based, case-control study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare data (2000-2017). Anal squamous cell carcinoma cases (n = 4505) were matched to 200 000 cancer-free controls. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between 47 autoimmune conditions diagnosed before selection, identified using Medicare claims, and anal squamous cell carcinoma. The Bonferroni threshold was used to correct for multiple comparisons. Population attributable fractions were calculated for conditions nominally associated with anal squamous cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

In total, 18% of anal squamous cell carcinoma cases and 15% of cancer-free controls had a diagnosed autoimmune condition. Any autoimmune condition was associated with an increased risk of anal squamous cell carcinoma (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02 to 1.21; population attributable fraction = 1.8%). Anal squamous cell carcinoma was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.32 to 2.42; population attributable fraction = 0.4%) and nominally associated (P < .05) with sarcoidosis (OR = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.30 to 3.37; population-attributable fraction = 0.2%) and psoriasis (OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.56; population attributable fraction = 0.5%). Stratified by sex, only women showed statistically significant associations for systemic lupus erythematosus (OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.46 to 2.68). Statistically significant interaction was observed by sex for psoriasis (men vs women: OR = 1.68 [95% CI = 1.03 to 4.28] vs OR = 1.12 [95% CI = 0.88 to 1.43]) and polymyalgia rheumatica (OR = 0.33 [95% CI = 0.12 to 0.89] vs OR = 0.99 [95% CI = 0.75 to 1.30]).

CONCLUSION

Systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and psoriasis were associated with a moderately increased risk of anal squamous cell carcinoma. Given these conditions' rarity and moderate associations with anal squamous cell carcinoma, autoimmune diseases cannot explain the rising trend in this disease.

Post-marketing surveillance study of the safety of the HPV-16/18 vaccine in Korea (2017-2021)

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is associated with the risk of developing certain cancers, including cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, penis, anus, rectum, and oropharynx. In 2016, the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine was included in the Korea National Immunization Program. This vaccine protects against HPV types 16 and 18 and other oncogenic HPV types predominant in cervical and anal cancers. This post-marketing surveillance (PMS) study assessed the safety of the HPV-16/18 vaccine in Korea. The study was conducted in males and females aged between 9 and 25 years, from 2017 to 2021. Safety was measured in terms of frequency and intensity of adverse events (AEs), adverse drug reactions (ADRs), and serious adverse events (SAEs) after each vaccine dose. The safety analysis included all participants who were vaccinated as per prescribing information and who completed a 30-day follow-up after at least one dose. Data were collected using individual case report forms. The total safety cohort included 662 participants. A total of 220 AEs were reported in 144 subjects (21.75%), and there were 158 ADRs in 111 subjects (16.77%), with the most common being injection site pain in all cases. No SAEs or serious ADRs were reported. Most AEs were reported after the first dose and were injection site reactions with mild intensity that recovered. No individuals required hospitalization or an emergency department visit. Safety results showed that the HPV-16/18 vaccine was generally well tolerated in the Korean population, and no safety concerns were identified.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03671369.

Incidence of Anal Cancer and Related Risk Factors in HIV-Infected Patients Enrolled in the National Prospective Spanish Cohort CoRIS

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV have an increased risk of anal cancer.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate anal cancer incidence and related risk factors in a national cohort of HIV-infected patients.

DESIGN

Prospective multicenter cohort study.

SETTINGS

Multicenter study including patients from the Spanish HIV Research Network.

PATIENTS

We collected data from 16,274 HIV-infected treatment-naive adults recruited from January 2004 to November 2020.

MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES

The primary outcome measures of this study were the incidence and prevalence of anal carcinoma. The secondary outcome measures included the associations between baseline and time-dependent covariables and the primary end point.

RESULTS

Twenty-six cases of anal cancer were diagnosed, 22 of which were incident cases resulting in a cumulative incidence of 22.29 of 100,000 person-years, which was stable during the study period. At the end of the study, 20 of the 43 centers had screening programs for high-grade anal dysplasia. Patients with anal cancer were males (26/26; 100% vs 13,833/16,248; 85.1%), were mostly men who have sex with men (23/26; 88.5% vs 10,017/16,248; 61.6%), had a median age of 43 years (interquartile range, 35-51), were more frequently previously diagnosed with an AIDS-defining illness (9/26; 34.6% vs 2429/16,248; 15%), and had lower nadir CD4 cell counts (115 vs 303 µL). About a third (34.6%, 9/26) were younger than 35 years. In multivariable analysis, men who have sex with men and patients with previous AIDS-defining illness had an 8.3-fold (95% CI, 1.9-36.3) and 2.7-fold (95% CI, 1.1-6.6) increased HR for developing anal cancer, respectively. Patients with higher CD4 cell counts during the follow-up showed a 28% lower risk per each additional 100 CD4 cell/µL (95% CI, 41%-22%).

LIMITATIONS

Lack of information on some potential risk factors, screening, and treatment of high-grade anal dysplasia were not uniformly initiated across centers during the study period.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the overall incidence in our study was low, there was a significant number of patients younger than 35 years with anal cancer. In addition to age, other factors, such as men who have sex with men and patients with severe immunosuppression (current or past), should be prioritized for anal cancer screening.

INCIDENCIA DEL CNCER DE ANO Y LOS FACTORES DE RIESGO RELACIONADOS CON PACIENTES INFECTADOS POR VIH INCLUIDOS EN LA COHORTE PROSPECTIVA NACIONAL ESPAOLA CORIS

ANTECEDENTES:Las personas portadoras del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana tienen un mayor riesgo de cáncer anal.OBJETIVO:Nosotros queremos estimar la incidencia de cáncer anal y los factores de riesgo relacionados en una cohorte nacional española de pacientes infectados por VIH.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohortes de tipo multicéntrico y prospectivo.ÁMBITO:Se incluyeron pacientes de la Red Española de Investigación en VIH.PACIENTES:Recolectamos los datos de 16,274 adultos infectados por el VIH que nunca habían recibido tratamiento, reclutados desde enero de 2004 hasta noviembre de 2020.MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO PRINCIPALES:Las medidas de resultado primarias de este estudio fueron la incidencia y la prevalencia del carcinoma anal. Las medidas de resultado secundarias incluyeron las asociaciones entre las covariables basales y dependientes del tiempo y el criterio principal de valoración.RESULTADOS:Se diagnosticaron 26 casos de cáncer anal, de los cuales 22 fueron casos incidentales resultando con una incidencia acumulada de 22,29/100.000 personas-año que se mantuvo estable durante el período de estudio.Al final de nuestro estudio, 20 de los 43 centros referentes tenían programas de detección de displasia anal de alto grado. Los pacientes con cáncer anal eran hombres (26/26; 100% vs 13 833/16 248; 85,1%), en su mayoría hombres que mantenían sexo con otros hombres (23/26; 88,5% vs 10 017/16 248; 61,6%), la mediana de edad fue de 43 años (IQR: 3 -51), 34,6% (9/26) < 35 años, previa y frecuentemente diagnosticados con una enfermedad definitoria de SIDA (9/26; 34,6% vs 2429/16248; 15%) y que tenían un punto opuesto mucho más bajo en el recuentos de células CD4 (115 µL frente a 303 µL).En el análisis multivariable, los hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con otros hombres y los pacientes con enfermedades definitorias de sida anteriores, tenían un aumento de 8,3 veces (IC del 95%: 1,9 a 36,3) y de 2,7 veces (IC del 95%: 1,1 a 6,6) en el cociente de riesgos instantáneos para desarrollar cáncer anal, respectivamente. Los pacientes con recuentos de células CD4 más altos durante el seguimiento mostraron un riesgo 28 % menor por cada 100 células CD4/µl adicionales (95% IC: 41%- 22%).LIMITACIONES:La falta de información sobre algunos factores potenciales de riesgo, la detección y el tratamiento de la displasia anal de alto grado no se iniciaron uniformemente en todos los centros durante el período de estudio.CONCLUSIONES:Si bien la incidencia general en nuestro estudio fue baja, hubo un número significativo de pacientes de <35 años con cáncer anal. Además de la edad, otros factores como los hombres que tienen sexo con hombres y los pacientes con inmunosupresión severa (actual o pasada) deben priorizarse para la detección del cáncer anal. ( Traducción-Dr. Xavier Delgadillo ).

Cumulative incidence of anal cancer since HIV or AIDS diagnosis in the United States

Treatment of screen-detected anal high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions has been shown to effectively reduce the incidence of invasive anal cancer in people with HIV. We provide population-based estimates of cumulative incidence of anal cancer by risk group and age at HIV or AIDS diagnosis. The 0- to 10-year cumulative incidence of anal cancer for men who have sex with men and are younger than 30 years of age at HIV diagnosis was 0.17% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.13% to 0.20%) compared with 0.04% (95% CI = 0.02% to 0.06%) in other men and 0.03% (95% CI = 0.01% to 0.04%) in women. For men who have sex with men and have a diagnosis of AIDS and are younger than 30 years of age, the 0- to 10-year cumulative incidence was 0.35% (95% CI = 0.28% to 0.41%). Among people with HIV, men who have sex with men are at the greatest risk of anal cancer, and those with a diagnosis of AIDS had higher risk than those without AIDS. These estimates may inform recommendations for priority populations that could benefit most from anal cancer screening and treatment.

Prevalence and trend of AIDS-defining cancers and non-AIDS-defining cancers and their association with antiretroviral therapy among people living with HIV in South Carolina: a population-based cohort study

ABSTRACTMonitoring cancer trends and risk is critical as cancer remains a growing problem in persons living with HIV (PLWH). Recent population-based data are limited regarding the cancer trends among PLWH. Our study examined the prevalence and trends in the rate of AIDS-defining cancers (ADC) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) and their risk factors in PLWH in South Carolina. Utilizing linked population-based HIV data (2005-2020), time-dependent proportional hazards model was used to identify associated risk predictors of developing cancer in PLWH. Among 11,238 PLWH, 250 individuals developed ADC and 454 developed NADC. The median time from HIV diagnosis to cancer diagnosis was 1.9 years for ADC and 3.8 years for NADC. Individuals who developed ADC or NADC were more likely to be older, male, use substances, have hepatitis infection, hypothyroidism, hypertension, and renal disease. Individuals with viral load >100,000 copies/ml were more likely to develop ADC while those with CD4 count >350 cells/mm3 were less likely to develop ADC or NADC. Our findings suggest that long-term viral suppression may contribute to risk reduction for cancer in PLWH. Early HIV diagnosis along with viral load suppression should be a part of ongoing cancer prevention efforts.

Higher Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Is a Preoperative Inflammation Biomarker of Poor Prognosis in HIV-Infected Patients with Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study

Background

The serum systemic inflammation biomarkers are known predictors of colorectal cancer (CRC) patient prognosis. However, their significance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with CRC has not been studied. To address this gap, we conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the prognostic value of preoperative systemic inflammation biomarkers in HIV-infected patients with CRC.

Methods

The study enrolled 57 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) and HIV who underwent surgery at the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center between January 2015 and December 2021. Preoperative tests were conducted, and systemic inflammation biomarkers were measured. The patients were categorized into two groups using the optimal cut-off value. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test were used to determine overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional regression model. A time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) was used to compare the prognostic abilities of the biomarkers.

Results

The study included 57 HIV-infected CRC patients, with a median age of 60 and a follow-up time ranging from 3 to 86 months. Of the patients, 49 were male and 8 were female. The cumulative three-year OS and PFS rates were 55.0% and 45.0%, respectively. The optimal cut-off value for preoperative NLR was found to be 2.8, which was significantly correlated with lower CD8+ T and CD3+ T lymphocyte counts. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that a low NLR was an independent predictor of better OS and PFS (OS: HR = 0.094, 95% CI: 0.02-0.45, P=0.003; PFS: HR = 0.265, 95% CI: 0.088-0.8, P=0.019). The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) analysis showed that NLR was a superior systemic inflammation biomarker for predicting the prognosis of HIV-infected CRC patients throughout the observation period.

Conclusion

The preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an easily measurable immune biomarker, may provide useful prognostic information in HIV-infected colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

HPV status and HPV16 viral load in anal cancer and its association with clinical outcome

BACKGROUND

The incidence of anal cancer is increasing globally. Evidence-based improvement in early detection and management of this morbid cancer is thus required. In other cancers associated with Human Papillomavirus (HPV), viral status and dynamics, including viral load (VL) has been shown to influence clinical outcome. Our aim was to determine the influence of HPV status and HPV16 VL on the clinical outcomes of anal cancer patients.

METHODS

A total of 185 anal cancer lesions were genotyped for HPV. Of the HPV16 positive component, VL was determined using a digital droplet PCR assay. The association of qualitative HPV status and VL (low (<12.3), medium (12.3-57) and high (>57 copies/cell)) on overall survival and hazard of death was assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 185 cases, 164 (88.6%) samples were HPV positive. HPV16 was detected in 154/185 samples (83.2%). HPV positive status was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis [hazard ratio (HR) of 0.44, 0.23-0.82, p = 0.01]. When adjusted by age, sex, stage and response to treatment, the association of positive HPV status with improved survival remained (HR 0.24 [0.11-0.55] p < 0.001). High VL was associated with improved overall survival in the univariate analysis with a HR of 0.28 (0.11-0.71, p = 0.007). When adjusted only by age and sex, high VL was associated with better overall survival (HR 0.27, 0.11-0.68 p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

HPV status appears to be independently associated with improved outcomes in anal cancer patients. Moreover, HPV viral load quantification may be informative for further risk stratification and warrants further investigation.

Anal squamous cell carcinoma: Impact of radiochemotherapy evolution over years and an explorative analysis of MRI prediction of tumor response in a mono-institutional series of 131 patients

Introduction

Radiochemotherapy (RCHT) for the treatment of anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) has evolved dramatically, also thanks to intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) and 3D image guidance (3D IGRT). Despite most patients presenting fair outcomes, unmet needs still exist. Predictors of poor tumor response are lacking; acute toxicity remains challenging; and local relapse remains the main pattern of failure.

Patients and methods

Between 2010 and 2020, ASCC stages I–III treated with 3D conformal radiotherapy or IMRT and CDDP-5FU or Mytomicine-5FU CHT were identified. Image guidance accepted included 2D IGRT or 3D IGRT. The study endpoints included freedom from locoregional recurrence (FFLR), colostomy free survival (CFS), freedom from distant metastasis (FFDM), overall survival (OS), and acute and late toxicity as measured by common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 5.0. An exploratory analysis was performed to identify possible radiomic predictors of tumor response. Feature extraction and data analysis were performed in Python™, while other statistics were performed using SPSS^® v.26.0 software (IBM^®).

Results

A total of 131 patients were identified. After a median FU of 52 months, 83 patients (63.4%) were alive. A total of 35 patients (26.7%) experienced locoregional failure, while 31 patients (23.7%) relapsed with distant metastasis. Five year FFLR, CFS, DMFS and PS resulted 72.3%, 80.1%, 74.5% and 64.6%. In multivariate analysis, 2D IGRT was associated with poorer FFLR, OS, and CFS (HR 4.5, 4.1, and 5.6, respectively); 3DcRT was associated with poorer OS and CFS (HR 3.1 and 6.6, respectively). IMRT reduced severe acute gastro-intestinal (GI) and severe skin acute toxicity in comparison with 3DcRT. In the exploratory analysis, the risk of relapse depended on a combination of three parameters: Total Energy, Gray Level Size Zone Matrix’s Large Area High Gray Level Emphasis (GLSZM’s LAHGLE), and GTV volume.

Conclusions

Advances in radiotherapy have independently improved the prognosis of ASCC patients over years while decreasing acute GI and skin toxicity. IMRT and daily 3D image guidance may be considered standard of care in the management of ASCC. A combination of three pre-treatment MRI parameters such as low signal intensity (SI), high GLSZM’s LAHGLE, and GTV volume could be integrated in risk stratification to identify candidates for RT dose-escalation to be enrolled in clinical trials.

Years of life lost to cancer among the United States HIV population, 2006-2015

OBJECTIVES

We estimated years of life lost (YLLs) to all causes of death and YLL lost to cancer among persons with HIV (PWH) in the United States.

DESIGN

Linked HIV and cancer registry data from the HIV/AIDS Cancer Match Study were used to identify incident cancers and deaths among PWH in 11 regions of the United States during 2006-2015.

METHODS

Mean YLL (MYLL) to all causes of death and MYLL to cancer during 2006-2015 were derived from the restricted mean survival estimated from Cox proportional hazards regression models. MYLLs were then upweighted to the national population of PWH to obtain all-cause total YLL (TYLL) and cancer-related TYLL in the United Staets during 2006-2015.

RESULTS

Among 466 234 PWH in the study population, 25 772 (5.5%) developed cancer during 2006-2015. Nationally, an estimated 134 986 years of life were lost to cancer of all types during 2006-2015 among PWH, representing 9.6% of TYLL to all causes. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), Kaposi sarcoma, anal cancer, and lung cancer were the four largest cancer contributors (45% of TYLL to cancer). The largest fraction of TYLL occurred among back PWH, MSM, and PWH aged 40-59 years old.

CONCLUSION

PWH have higher mortality rates after developing cancer. NHL, Kaposi sarcoma and anal and lung cancers were large contributors to YLL to cancer in the United States population of PWH, highlighting opportunities to reduce cancer mortality through improved access to antiretroviral treatment, prevention, and screening.

Impact of HIV on Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Rates in the United States, 2001-2015

BACKGROUND

Incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) has increased in the U.S. Persons living with HIV (PLWH) have an elevated risk of anal SCC, and changes in the number of anal SCCs among PLWH may have influenced general population trends.

METHODS

Data were obtained from a linkage of HIV and cancer registries in 12 U.S. regions. The proportion of anal SCCs occurring among PLWH was estimated by sex, age group and race and ethnicity. To assess the impact of anal SCCs among PLWH on general population trends, annual percentage changes (APCs) in incidence rates including and excluding anal SCCs among PLWH were estimated.

RESULTS

Between 2001-2015, 14.5% of 16,110 anal SCC diagnoses occurred in PLWH. In 2013-2015, 33% of anal SCCs among men occurred in PLWH, but only 3% among women. The proportion of anal SCCs among PLWH was highest among 20-49-year-olds and Black and Hispanic individuals. General population anal SCC trends among men were strongly influenced by cases among PLWH: rates increased 4.6%/year [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4%, 8.0%] from 2001-2009 followed by a non-significant decline (APC: -2.7%/year [95%CI: -7.1, 2.0%]) from 2009-2015, but without anal SCCs among PLWH, rates were stable (APC: 0.7%, [95%CI: -0.8%-2.3%]). Anal SCC rates among women increased 3.8%/year (95%CI 3.2%-4.4%) during 2001-2012 and then declined non-significantly (APC=-3.8; 95%CI -6.9, -0.6), and anal SCCs among PLWH had little impact on these trends.

CONCLUSION

During 2001-2015, anal SCCs among PLWH contributed strongly to changes in incidence trends in the general U.S. population among men, but not women.

Anal cancer incidence in men with HIV who have sex with men: are black men at higher risk?

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in anal cancer incidence between racial/ethnic groups among a clinical cohort of men with HIV who have sex with men.

DESIGN

Clinical cohort study.

METHODS

We studied men who have sex with men (MSM) in the Centers for AIDS Research Network of Integrated Clinical Systems (CNICS) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) under HIV care in CNICS. We compared anal cancer incidence between Black and non-Black men and calculated hazard ratios controlling for demographic characteristics (age, CNICS site, year of ART initiation), HIV disease indicators (nadir CD4+, peak HIV RNA), and co-infection/behavioral factors including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse.

RESULTS

We studied 7473 MSM with HIV who contributed 41 810 person-years of follow-up after initiating ART between 1996 and 2014 in CNICS. Forty-one individuals had an incident diagnosis of anal cancer under observation. Crude rates of anal cancer were 204 versus 61 per 100 000 person-years among Black versus non-Black MSM. The weighted hazard ratio for anal cancer in Black MSM (adjusting for demographics, HIV disease factors, and co-infection/behavioral factors) was 2.37 (95% confidence interval: 1.17, 4.82) compared to non-Black MSM.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large multicenter cohort, Black MSM were at significantly increased risk for anal cancer compared to non-Black MSM. Further detailed studies evaluating factors impacting anal cancer incidence and outcomes in Black men with HIV are necessary. Inclusion of more diverse study cohorts may elucidate modifiable factors associated with increased anal cancer risk experienced by Black MSM.

Time trends in cancer incidence in Australian people living with HIV between 1982 and 2012

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to describe time trends in cancer incidence in people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Australia between 1982 and 2012.

METHODS

A population-based prospective study was conducted using data linkage between the national HIV and cancer registries. Invasive cancers identified in PLHIV were grouped into AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs), infection-related non-ADCs (NADCs), and non-infection-related NADCs. Crude and age-standardized incidence rates of cancers were calculated and compared over five time periods: 1982-1995, 1996-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2008 and 2009-2012, roughly reflecting advances in HIV antiretroviral therapy. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) compared with the Australian general population were calculated for each time period. Generalized linear models were developed to assess time trends in crude and age-standardized incidences.

RESULTS

For ADCs, the crude and age-standardized incidences of Kaposi sarcoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma substantially declined over time (P-trend < 0.001 for all) but SIRs remained significantly elevated. For infection-related NADCs, there were significant increases in the crude incidences of anal, liver and head and neck cancers. Age-standardized incidences increased for anal cancer (P-trend = 0.002) and liver cancer (P-trend < 0.001). SIRs were significantly elevated for anal cancer, liver cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma. For non-infection-related NADCs, the crude incidence of colorectal, lung and prostate cancers increased over time, but age-standardized incidences remained stable.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous improvements and high coverage of antiretroviral therapy have reduced the incidence of ADCs in PLHIV in Australia. Clinical monitoring of anal and liver cancers in people living with HIV should be performed, given the increasing incidence of these cancers.

Incidence Rate and Risk Factors for Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Cohort of People Living With HIV from 2004 to 2017: Implementation of a Screening Program

BACKGROUND

Anal squamous cell carcinoma is rare, in general, but considerably higher in HIV-infected men who have sex with men. There is no consensus on the screening of at-risk populations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the incidence rates of anal squamous cell carcinoma and the efficacy of a screening program.

DESIGN

This is a cohort study (SeVIHanal/NCT03713229).

SETTING

This study was conducted at an HIV outpatient clinic in Seville, Spain.

PATIENTS

From 2004 to 2017, all patients with at least 1 follow-up visit were analyzed (follow-up group), including a subgroup of men who have sex with men who participated in a specialized program for screening and treating anal neoplasia (SCAN group) from 2011 onward.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome measure was the incidence rate of anal squamous cell carcinoma.

RESULTS

Of the 3878 people living with HIV included in the follow-up group, 897 were transferred to the SCAN group; 1584 (41%) were men who have sex with men. Total follow-up was 29,228 person-years with an overall incidence rate for anal squamous cell carcinoma of 68.4/100,000 person-years (95% CI, 46.7-97.4). The changes in the incidence rate/100,000 person-years (95% CI) over time was 20.7 (3.40-80.5) for 2004 to 2006, 37.3 (13.4-87.3) for 2007 to 2010, and 97.8 (63.8-144.9) for 2011 to 2017 (p < 0.001). The strongest impact on the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma was made by the lack of immune restoration (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI): 6.59 (4.24-10); p < 0.001), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention category C (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI): 7.49 (5.69-9.85); p < 0.001), and non-men who have sex with men (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI): 0.07 (0.05-0.10); p < 0.001) in a Poisson analysis. From 2010 to 2017, incidence rates (95% CI) of anal squamous cell carcinoma within the SCAN group and the men who have sex with men of the follow-up group were 95.7 (39.6-202) and 201 (101-386)/100,000 person-years (adjusted incidence rate ratio (95% CI): 0.30 (0.23-0.39); p<0.001). The incidence rate ratio (95% CI) including non-men who have sex with men in the follow-up group was 0.87 (0.69-1.11); p = 0.269.

LIMITATIONS

Adherence to the visits could not be quantified.

CONCLUSION

Incidence rates of anal squamous cell carcinoma in people living with HIV increased significantly from 2004 to 2017, especially in men who have sex with men who were not being screened. Participation in the SCAN program significantly reduced the incidence of anal squamous cell carcinoma in men who have sex with men, in whom focus should be placed, especially on those presenting with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention category C and advanced immune suppression. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B734.

TASA DE INCIDENCIA Y FACTORES DE RIESGO DEL CARCINOMA ANAL A CLULAS ESCAMOSAS EN UNA COHORTE DE PERSONAS QUE VIVEN CON EL VIH DE A IMPLEMENTACIN DE UN PROGRAMA DE DETECCIN

ANTECEDENTES:El carcinoma anal a células escamosas es generalmente raro, pero considerablemente más alto en hombres infectados por el VIH que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres. No hay consenso sobre el cribado de poblaciones en riesgo.OBJETIVO:Este estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar las tasas de incidencia del carcinoma anal a células escamosas y la eficacia de un programa de detección.DISEÑO:Estudio de cohorte (SeVIHanal / NCT03713229).AJUSTE:Clínica ambulatoria de VIH en Sevilla, España.PACIENTES:De 2004 a 2017, se analizaron todos los pacientes con al menos una visita de seguimiento (grupo F / U), incluido un subgrupo de hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres que participaron en un programa especializado de cribado y tratamiento de neoplasias anales (SCAN-group) a partir de 2011.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:Tasas de incidencia del carcinoma anal a células escamosas.RESULTADOS:De las 3878 personas que viven con el VIH incluidas en el grupo F / U, 897 fueron transferidas al grupo SCAN, 1584 (41%) eran hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres. El seguimiento total fue de 29228 personas-año con una tasa de incidencia general de carcinoma anal a células escamosas de 68,4 / 100000 personas-año [intervalo de confianza del 95%: 46,7-97,4]. El cambio en las tasas de incidencia / 100000 personas-año (intervalo de confianza del 95%) a lo largo del tiempo fue 20,7 (3,40-80,5) para 2004-2006, 37,3 (13,4-87,3) para 2007-2010 y 97,8 (63,8-144,9) para 2011-2017, p <0,001. El impacto más fuerte en la incidencia del carcinoma a células escamosas anal fue la falta de restauración inmunológica [índice de tasa de incidencia ajustado (intervalo de confianza del 95%): 6,59 (4,24-10); p <0,001], categoría C de los Centros de Control de Enfermedades [índice de tasa de incidencia ajustado (intervalo de confianza del 95%): 7,49 (5,69-9,85); p <0,001] y no hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres [razón de tasa de incidencia ajustada (intervalo de confianza del 95%): 0,07 (0,05-0,10); p <0,001] en el análisis de Poisson. Desde 2010-2017, las tasas de incidencia (intervalo de confianza del 95%) de carcinoma anal a células escamosas dentro del grupo SCAN y los hombres que tienen relaciones sexuales con hombres del grupo F / U fueron 95,7 (39,6-202) y 201 (101- 386) / 100000 personas-año [razón de tasa de incidencia ajustada (intervalo de confianza del 95%): 0,30 (0,23-0,39); p <0,001]. La razón de la tasa de incidencia (intervalo de confianza del 95%), incluidos los no hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres en F / U, fue de 0,87 [0,69-1,11); p = 0,269].LIMITACIONES:No se pudo cuantificar la adherencia a las visitas.CONCLUSIÓNES:La tasa de incidencia del carcinoma anal a células escamosas en personas que viven con el VIH aumentó significativamente de 2004 a 2017, especialmente en hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres que no se someten a pruebas de detección. La participación en el programa SCAN redujo significativamente la incidencia de carcinoma anal a células escamosas en hombres que tenían relaciones sexuales con hombres, en quienes se debe prestar una especial atención, sobre todo en aquellos que se presentan en la categoría C de los Centros de Control de Enfermedades con inmunodeficiencia avanzada. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B734.

Human papillomavirus 16 L1 gene methylation as a potential biomarker for predicting anal intraepithelial neoplasia in men who have sex with men (MSM)

The human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 early promoter and L1 gene methylation were quantitatively measured using pyrosequencing assay in anal cells collected from men who have sex with men (MSM) to determine potential biomarkers for HPV-related anal cancer. The methylation patterns of HPV16 genes, including the early promoter (CpG 31, 37, 43, 52, and 58) and L1 genes (CpG 5600, 5606, 5609, 5615, 7136, and 7145), were analyzed in 178 anal samples. The samples were diagnosed as normal, anal intraepithelial neoplasia (AIN) 1, AIN2, and AIN3. Low methylation levels of the early promoter (< 10%) and L1 genes (< 20%) were found in all detected normal anal cells. In comparison, medium to high methylation (≥ 20–60%) in the early promoter was found in 1.5% (1/67) and 5% (2/40) of AIN1 and AIN2-3 samples, respectively. Interestingly, slightly increased L1 gene methylation levels (≥ 20–60%), especially at the HPV16 5’L1 regions CpGs 5600 and 5609, were demonstrated in AIN2-3 specimen. Moreover, a negative correlation between high HPV16 L1 gene methylation at CpGs 5600, 5609, 5615, and 7145 and a percentual CD4 count was found in AIN3 HIV positive cases. When comparing the methylation status of AIN2-3 to that of normal/AIN1 lesions, the results indicated the potential of using HPV16 L1 gene methylation as a biomarker for HPV-related cancer screening.

Immunodeficiency and Cancer in 3.5 Million People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): The South African HIV Cancer Match Study

BACKGROUND

We analyzed associations between immunodeficiency and cancer incidence in a nationwide cohort of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) in South Africa.

METHODS

We used data from the South African HIV Cancer Match Study built on HIV-related laboratory measurements from the National Health Laboratory Services and cancer records from the National Cancer Registry. We evaluated associations between time-updated CD4 cell count and cancer incidence rates using Cox proportional hazards models. We reported adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) over a grid of CD4 values and estimated the aHR per 100 CD4 cells/µL decrease.

RESULTS

Of 3 532 266 PLWH, 15 078 developed cancer. The most common cancers were cervical cancer (4150 cases), Kaposi sarcoma (2262 cases), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (1060 cases). The association between lower CD4 cell count and higher cancer incidence rates was strongest for conjunctival cancer (aHR per 100 CD4 cells/µL decrease: 1.46; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-1.54), Kaposi sarcoma (aHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.20-1.26), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.14-1.22). Among infection-unrelated cancers, lower CD4 cell counts were associated with higher incidence rates of esophageal cancer (aHR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.00-1.11) but not breast, lung, or prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower CD4 cell counts were associated with an increased risk of developing various infection-related cancers among PLWH. Reducing HIV-induced immunodeficiency may be a potent cancer-prevention strategy among PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa, a region heavily burdened by cancers attributable to infections.

Timing of Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation and Risk of Cancer Among Persons Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

BACKGROUND

Persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) experience a high burden of cancer. It remains unknown which cancer types are reduced in PLWH with earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

We evaluated AIDS-free, ART-naive PLWH during 1996-2014 from 22 cohorts participating in the North American AIDS Cohort Collaboration on Research and Design. PLWH were followed from first observed CD4 of 350-500 cells/µL (baseline) until incident cancer, death, lost-to-follow-up, or December 2014. Outcomes included 6 cancer groups and 5 individual cancers that were confirmed by chart review or cancer registry linkage. We evaluated the effect of earlier (in the first 6 months after baseline) versus deferred ART initiation on cancer risk. Marginal structural models were used with inverse probability weighting to account for time-dependent confounding and informative right-censoring, with weights informed by subject's age, sex, cohort, baseline year, race/ethnicity, HIV transmission risk, smoking, viral hepatitis, CD4, and AIDS diagnoses.

RESULTS

Protective results for earlier ART were found for any cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], .37-.86), AIDS-defining cancers (HR 0.23; 95% CI, .11-.49), any virus-related cancer (HR 0.30; 95% CI, .16-.54), Kaposi sarcoma (HR 0.25; 95% CI, .10-.61), and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (HR 0.22; 95% CI, .06-.73). By 15 years, there was also an observed reduced risk with earlier ART for virus-related NADCs (0.6% vs 2.3%; adjusted risk difference -1.6; 95% CI, -2.8, -.5).

CONCLUSIONS

Earlier ART initiation has potential to reduce the burden of virus-related cancers in PLWH but not non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs) without known or suspected viral etiology.

Associations Between Plasma Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Ribonucleic Acid Levels and Incidence of Invasive Cancer in People With HIV After Initiation of Combination Antiretroviral Therapy

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) viremia could be involved in the increased risk of cancer in people with HIV (PWH) receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We analyzed the association between plasma HIV ribonucleic acid levels in PWH starting cART and incident invasive cancer using the Swedish cohort InfCare HIV linked with national registers.

Methods

Adults starting cART in 1996–2017 were included if they had ≥1 viral load (VL) measurement before receiving any antiretroviral agent (pre-ART VL) and ≥2 VLs ≥6 months after start of cART. Viremia during cART was analyzed both as viremia-copy-years and categorized as suppression (<50 copies/mL), low-level viremia ([LLV] 50–999 copies/mL), and nonsuppression (≥1000 copies/mL). The main outcome was a composite of invasive malignancies with increased incidence among PWH. We fitted proportional subhazard models (including sex, age, pre-ART CD4 count, and injection drug use) for both pre-ART VL and viremia during cART.

Results

After 32 105 person-years, 3254 of 4931 participants (66%) were classified as suppressed, 438 (9%) were classified as LLV, and 1221 (25%) were classified as nonsuppressed. Neither viremia category nor cumulative viremia during cART had a statistically significant association with cancer. Higher pre-ART VL was associated with cancer (adjusted subhazard ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.0–1.8); this remained statistically significant with viremia during cART in the model. In subanalysis, the association with pre-ART VL was statistically significant for acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining and infection-related non-AIDS-defining cancer, but not for other malignancies.

Conclusions

In this nationwide cohort, pre-ART VL was an independent predictor of invasive cancer, whereas viremia profile during cART was not associated with cancer incidence.

Viruses and oral diseases in HIV-infected individuals on long-term antiretroviral therapy: What are the risks and what are the mechanisms?

As a result of the extension of life span produced by increasing access to combined antiretroviral therapy, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH) face new challenges from comorbidities. Although advances in medical care for HIV infection have dramatically reduced opportunistic infections and AIDS-defining cancers, some non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADC) and specific oral diseases such as periodontitis and salivary gland disease are now more prevalent. Cancer prevention is, therefore, a priority issue in care of PLWH, stressing both restoration of immune function and reduction of non-HIV cancer risk factors (tobacco in all its forms; areca nut; heavy alcohol consumption; diets lacking antioxidant vitamins and minerals; and oncogenic virus infections) through specific interventions, especially tobacco and areca nut cessation and alcohol moderation. Detection of oral high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPV) and the universal preventive HPV vaccination among PLWH should be promoted to reduce the malignancy burden, along with routine oral examinations which remain the cheapest, most reliable, most reproducible, and non-invasive tool to identify suspicious lesions. Also, considerations of oral inflammation and periodontal health are important to replication and gene expression of viruses in the mouth. Considering that a key risk factor for this scenario is the presence of oncogenic virus infection such as several members of the human herpesvirus and human papillomavirus families, here we analyze the variables involved in the seeming increase in comorbidities in PLWH.

The importance of anal cancer screening and high-resolution anoscopy to gastroenterology practice

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although human papillomavirus (HPV)-related anal squamous cell cancer (ASCC) is rare, its incidence has been rising and in high-risk populations exceeds the incidence of cancers for which screening programs are implemented. Therefore, targeted screening techniques are being evaluated with high-resolution anoscopy (HRA) as the current gold standard because of its ability to detect anal intraepithelial dysplasia (AIN) and premalignant high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSILs). However, a scarcity of trained providers presents a barrier to screening.

RECENT FINDINGS

ASCC incidence is rising especially in elderly women and young black men. Premalignant HSIL may not only progress to ASCC but also regress. Biomarkers such as HPV type, p16 immunostaining and DNA methylation markers may emerge as predictors of disease progression.HRA with acetic acid and Lugol's iodine staining can be used to detect HSIL and ASCC. Recent studies suggest that anal cancer screening may have an impact on the stage of ASCC at diagnosis and the incidence of anal cancer.The Anal Cancer HSIL Outcomes Research (ANCHOR) study is underway to determine whether treating HSIL effects ASCC incidence.

SUMMARY

Although there are no consensus screening guidelines for anal cancer, it is reasonable to screen high-risk populations with physical examination, anal cytology and HRA. Gastroenterologists can support anal cancer screening programmes through identifying patients at risk, performing noninvasive screening and considering to incorporate endoscopic techniques to examine the anal canal. VIDEO ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/COG/A32.

CAR T-cell therapy for cancer and HIV through novel approaches to HIV-associated haematological malignancies

People living with HIV are a global population with increased cancer risk but their access to modern immunotherapies for cancer treatment has been limited by socioeconomic factors and inadequate research to support safety and efficacy in this population. These immunotherapies include immune checkpoint inhibitors and advances in cellular immunotherapy, particularly chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy. Despite the field of cancer immunotherapy rapidly expanding with ongoing clinical trials, people with HIV are often excluded from such trials. In 2019, post-approval evaluation of anti-CD19 CAR T-cell therapy in people with HIV and aggressive B-cell lymphoma showed the feasibility of CAR T-cell therapy for cancer in this excluded group. Along with expanded treatment options for people with HIV is the ability to assess the effects of immunotherapy on the latent HIV reservoir, with certain immunotherapies showing the ability to alleviate this burden. This Series paper addresses the increased cancer burden in people with HIV, the increasing evidence for the safety and efficacy of immunotherapies in the context of HIV and cancer, and opportunities for novel applications of CAR-T therapy for the treatment of both haematological malignancies and HIV.

Factors associated with high-risk low-level viremia leading to virologic failure: 16-year retrospective study of a Chinese antiretroviral therapy cohort

BACKGROUND

Low level viremia (LLV) often occurs during antiretroviral therapy (ART) against HIV-1. However, whether LLV increases the risk of virologic failure (VF) is controversial because of the non-uniform definitions of LLV and VF.

METHODS

A long-term first line regimen ART cohort from 2002 to 2018 from Shenyang, northeast China, was retrospectively studied. All participants were followed up every 3 to 6 months to evaluate the treatment effect. The high-risk LLV subgroups leading to VF (with strict standards) were explored with Cox proportional hazards model and linear mixed-effect model. The association factors of high-risk LLV were further explored using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 2155 HIV-1 infected participants were included; of these, 38.7% showed LLV. Both high level LLV (HLLV) and any other level LLV coupled with high level blip (HLB) showed higher risk of VF (hazards ratios, HR_HLLV = 5.93, and HR_HLB = 2.84, p <  0.05 respectively). Moreover, HR increased with prolonged duration of LLV. Independent factors associated with high-risk LLV included the zenith baseline viral load (VL) above 6 log copies/ml (aOR = 3.49, p = 0.002), nadir baseline CD4 + T cell counts below 200 cells/mm³ (aOR = 1.78, p = 0.011), Manchu (aOR = 2.03, p = 0.003), ART over 60 months (aOR = 1.81, p = 0.004), AZT + 3TC + NVP (aOR = 2.26, p <  0.001) or DDI-based regimen (aOR = 9.96, p = 0.002), and subtype B' infection (aOR = 8.22, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In case of VF with strict standards, high-risk LLV leading to VF includes VL above 400 copies/ml, occurring at least once. Serious laboratory indicators or advanced stage of infection, long term ART and subtype B' infection might also predict the occurrence of high-risk LLV.

Cancer during HIV infection

HIV+ persons have a significantly increased risk of cancer when compared to the general population. The excess cancer risk observed during HIV infection is particularly higher for infection-related malignancies. Mechanisms underlying this remain unclear, but both HIV-related and HIV-unrelated factors have been postulated to play a role. Here, we (i) review newly published data on cancer burden in the setting of HIV infection with a focus on HIV-related risk factors for cancer; (ii) discuss emerging data on cancer among HIV+ persons living in low- and middle-income countries; and (iii) review guideline recommendations for cancer screening among HIV+ persons and discuss ongoing studies investigating strategies for cancer screening among HIV+ patients.

Immunotherapy in People With HIV and Cancer

HIV infection alters the natural history of several cancers, in large part due to its effect on the immune system. Immune function in people living with HIV may vary from normal to highly dysfunctional and is largely dependent on the timing of initiation (and continuation) of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). An individual's level of immune function in turn affects their cancer risk, management, and outcomes. HIV-associated lymphocytopenia and immune dysregulation permit immune evasion of oncogenic viruses and premalignant lesions and are associated with inferior outcomes in people with established cancers. Various types of immunotherapy, including monoclonal antibodies, interferon, cytokines, immunomodulatory drugs, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant, and most importantly ART have shown efficacy in HIV-related cancer. Emerging data suggest that checkpoint inhibitors targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can be safe and effective in people with HIV and cancer. Furthermore, some cancer immunotherapies may also affect HIV persistence by influencing HIV latency and HIV-specific immunity. Studying immunotherapy in people with HIV and cancer will advance clinical care of all people living with HIV and presents a unique opportunity to gain insight into mechanisms for HIV eradication.