Survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia

Background: People living with HIV have an increased risk of cancer compared to the general population. However, with the increase in life expectancy and advances in antiretroviral therapy, the survival of patients with cancer and HIV has changed. Objective: To determine the survival of patients living with HIV and cancer in Cali, Colombia Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Data from the HIV database was crossed with data from the hospital and population-based cancer registries between 2011-2019. Patients <18 years, limited available clinical information on the diagnosis and treatment of HIV and cancer, and non-oncological tumor diagnosis were excluded. Results: A total of 173 patients were included. The frequencies of AIDS-defining neoplasms were: Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (42.8%), Kaposi sarcoma (27.8%), and cervical cancer (4.6%). Overall survival was 76.4% (95% CI 68.9-82.3) at five years. Poorer survival was found in patients with AIDS-defining infections (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) and non-AIDS-defining infections (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), while there was better survival in patients who received antiretroviral therapy (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) and oncological treatment (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). The presence of non-AIDS-defining infections increases the risk of dying (HR = 2.39, 95% CI 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), while oncological treatment decreases it (HR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusions: In people living with HIV, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Kaposi sarcoma are the most common neoplasms. Factors such as AIDS-associated and non-AIDS-associated infections have been identified as determinants of survival. Cancer treatment seems to improve survival.

Antecedentes: Las personas que viven con VIH tienen un riesgo mayor de cáncer en comparación con la población general. Sin embargo, con el aumento de la esperanza de vida y los avances en la terapia antirretroviral, la supervivencia de los pacientes con cáncer y VIH ha cambiado. Objetivo: Determinar la supervivencia de los pacientes que viven con VIH y cáncer en Cali, Colombia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en la Fundación Valle del Lili, Cali, Colombia. Los datos de la base de datos de VIH se cruzaron con los datos de los registros de cáncer de base hospitalaria y poblacional entre 2011-2019. Se excluyeron los pacientes <18 años, con información clínica limitada disponible sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento del VIH y el cáncer y los casos con diagnóstico de tumor no oncológico. Resultados: Se incluyeron un total de 173 pacientes. Las frecuencias de neoplasias definitorias de SIDA fueron: linfoma no Hodgkin (42.8%), sarcoma de Kaposi (27.8%) y cáncer cervical (4.6%). La supervivencia global fue del 76.4% (IC 95% 68.9-82.3) a los cinco años. Se encontró una peor supervivencia en pacientes con infecciones definitorias de SIDA (56.9% vs. 77.8%, p=0.027) e infecciones no definitorias de SIDA (57.8% vs. 84.2%, p=0.013), mientras que hubo una mejor supervivencia en pacientes que recibieron terapia antirretroviral (65.9% vs. 17.9%, p=0.021) y tratamiento oncológico (66.7% vs. 35.4%, p<0.001). La presencia de infecciones no definitorias de SIDA aumentó el riesgo de morir (HR = 2.39, IC 95% 1.05-5.46, p=0.038), mientras que el tratamiento oncológico lo disminuyó (HR = 0.33, IC 95% 0.14-0.80, p=0.014). Conclusiones: En las personas que viven con VIH, el linfoma no Hodgkin y el sarcoma de Kaposi son las neoplasias más comunes. Se han identificado factores como las infecciones asociadas al SIDA y las infecciones no asociadas al SIDA como determinantes de la supervivencia. El tratamiento del cáncer parece mejorar la supervivencia.

Current opinions on the viral etiology of leukemia / 中国肿瘤临床

Half a century ago,it was confirmed that leukemia could be induced by retroviruses in some animals.There are numerous en-dogenous retroviruses in the human genome.However,retrovirus-related human adult T-cell leukemia is only endemic in some local areas. Recently,an extensive study on apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide 3(APOBEC3)family members has revealed the resistance mechanism in human to retrovirus-induced leukemia.The Epstein-Barr virus is widely spread in the human population and exists as a latent infection in the human body for a long time.It is closely associated with the occurrence and development of some lymphomas and solid tumors,indicating its tumorigenicity.The relationship between other viral infections and leukemia/lymphoma remains unclear. The interaction may be mediated by complex,multistep,and indirect networks,which need to be further illuminated.

Human papillomavirus 16 infection as a potential risk factor for prostate cancer: an adaptive meta-analysis / 한국역학회지

OBJECTIVES: Although an expert review published in 2013 concluded that an association between human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and prostate cancer (PCa) risk had not yet been firmly established, a 2011 systematic review of 14 articles revealed an increased prevalence of HPV-16 DNA in PCa tissues. Another meta-analysis of the related articles is needed to evaluate the potential link between HPV infection and PCa risk. METHODS: A snowballing search strategy was applied to the previously cited articles in the above-mentioned expert review and systematic review. Additional articles selected for this meta-analysis should fulfill all following inclusion criteria: (a) evaluation of detected HPV-16 DNA in tissue samples and the PCa risk and (b) report of the HPV-16 prevalence in both cancer and control tissues. Estimated summary odds ratios (sOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using fixed effect or random-effect models. RESULTS: Hand searching identified 16 new articles. The sOR of the total 30 articles indicated a significant HPV-16 infection-related increase in the PCa risk (sOR, 1.851; 95% CI, 1.353 to 2.532, I2=37.82%). CONCLUSIONS: These facts provide additional supportive evidence for a causal role of HPV-16 infection in prostate carcinogenesis. As the PCa incidence rates have increased rapidly in Asian countries, including Korea, during the last several decades, further studies of HPV-related PCa carcinogenesis may be necessary.

A Case of Rectal Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Metachronous Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma in an HIV-Infected Patient / 감염과화학요법

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is one of the most common acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining malignancies among human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients, and rectal cancer has recently emerged as a prevalent non-AIDS-defining malignancy. We report a case of rectal squamous cell carcinoma that was metachronous with DLBCL in an HIV-infected patient who was receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. The patient was diagnosed with DLBCL and showed complete remission after chemotherapy. Follow-up imaging showed increased uptake at the rectum, previously treated as lymphoma. Repeated biopsy was performed and squamous cell carcinoma of the rectum was reported. After concurrent chemoradiation therapy, curative resection was performed.

Cancer causing viruses and the role of laboratory medicine: literature review and perspectives / Vírus causadores de câncer e o papel da medicina laboratorial: revisão de literatura e perspectivas

Cancer-causing viruses are responsible for up to 20% of cancers with infectious etiology, representing a serious public health problem worldwide. Since the discovery of the first human cancer-causing virus, several others have been associated with neoplasias. Recent advances in technologies for the determination of genomic and proteomic profiles have resulted in the discovery and availability of tumor markers with potential application in the screening, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer. Therefore, laboratory medicine has stood out as a fundamental tool in the prevention and management of these diseases.

Os vírus causadores de câncer são responsáveis por até 20% dos cânceres de etiologia infecciosa, representando um grave problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Desde a descoberta do primeiro vírus causador de neoplasias em humanos, vários outros têm sido associados ao câncer. Recentes avanços nas tecnologias de determinação de perfis genômicos e proteômicos resultaram na descoberta e na disponibilização de marcadores tumorais com potencial aplicação no rastreamento, no diagnóstico, no prognóstico e no tratamento do câncer, destacando a medicina laboratorial como ferramenta fundamental na prevenção e no manejo dessas enfermidades.

Prevalência do herpes-vírus humano tipo 1 em neoplasias cutâneas epiteliais malignas / Prevalence of human herpes virus type 1 in epithelial skin cancer

FUNDAMENTOS - O DNA viral pode atuar como oncogene, favorecendo o desenvolvimento de neoplasias, como as linfoides e da pele. Entre esses vírus, encontram-se alguns herpes-vírus humanos. OBJETIVO - Identificar a presença de DNA do herpes-vírus humano tipo 1 em neoplasias epiteliais pré-malignas,malignas e pele normal de indivíduos controle, avaliando seu papel na carcinogênese. MÉTODOS - Identificação, por reação em cadeia da polimerase, do DNA viral do tumor e pele sã de 41 pacientes e comparação com grupo controle, sem neoplasia. Análise estatística: Testes de Fisher e de McNemar. RESULTADOS - O vírus foi identificado em 20 indivíduos sem e em 21 com neoplasia. Destes últimos, 11 o expessaram apenas nas células tumorais. A diferença, entretanto, não foi estatisticamente significante. CONCLUSÕES - Parece não haver relação direta entre o encontro do DNA viral na pele sã e na pele tumoral. Sua presença pode facilitar o desenvolvimento da neoplasia ou apenas coincidir de se localizar onde esta já ocorreu.

BACKGROUND - Viral DNA may act as an oncogene, especially in skin and lymphoid organs. This group includes some human herpes virus. OBJECTIVE - To identify human herpes virus type 1 DNA in pre-malignant and malignant skin samples of epithelial tumors comparing to normal skin to determine its role in carcinogenesis. METHODS - Forty-one patients with epithelial tumors were submitted to biopsies from tumor and normal skin. The control group comprised 41 biopsies from patients with other dermatoses than cancer. After DNA extraction, polymerase chain reaction was performed to identify 199-bp band. The results were statistically evaluated by Fisher and McNemar tests. RESULTS - The virus was identified in 20 subjects without cancer and in 21 with skin cancer. From these, 11 expressed it only in tumor cells. This difference was not significant. CONCLUSION - There seem to be no direct relation between viral findings in normal skin and skin cancer cells. It may act as a promoter or just coexist at the same site where a neoplastic transformation has already occurred.

Virus papiloma humano y cáncer cérvico-uterino: [editorial] / Papillomavirus and cervical cancer in Chile: [editorial]

Molecular, clinical and epidemiolagical studies have established beyond doubt that human papiloma viruses (HPV) cause cervical cancer. The virus is also associated with genital warts and other less common cancers in oropharynx, vulva, vagina and penis. Worldwide, VPH genotypes 16 and 18 are the most common high risk genotypes, detected in near 70 percent of women with cervical cáncer. The discovery of a cause-effect relationship between several carcinogenic microorganisms and cancer open avenues for new diagnostic, treatment and prevention strategies. In this issue of Revista Médica de Chile, two papers on HPV are presented. Guzman and colleagues demonstrate that HPV can be detected in 66 percent to 77 percent of healthy male adolescents by polymerase chain reaction and that positivity depends on the site of the penis that is sampled. These results support the role of male to female transmission of high risk HPVs in Chile and should lead to even more active educational campaigns. The second paper provides recommendations for HPV vaccine use in Chile, generated by the Immunization Advisory Committee of the Chilean Infectious Disease Society. To issue these recommendations, the Committee analyzes the epidemiological information available on HPV infection and cervical cancer in Chile, vaccine safety and effectiveness data, and describes cost-effectiveness studies. Taking into account that universal vaccination is controversial the Committee favors vaccine use in Chile and it's incorporation into a national program. However, there is an indication that the country requires the implementation of an integrated surveillance approach including cross matching of data obtained from HPV genotype surveillance, monitoring of vaccination coverage, and surveillance of cervical cáncer The final decision of universal vaccine use in Chile should be based on a through analysis of information.

Prevalencia de la infección genital por virus papiloma humano en hombres universitarios voluntarios de la IX Región, Chile / Prevalence of human papillomavirus genital infection among male university students

Background: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the most common sexually transmitted disease. Aim: To determine prevalence of HPV genital infection in voluntary asymptomatic male university students. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study in 62 asymptomatic, sexually active male students. Exfoliated cells were obtained from the penüe shaft and coronal sulcus. Samples were analyzed for HPV DNA detection and genotyping by polymerase chain reaction and Reverse Line Blot. Results: The prevalence of HPV infection was 84 percent. HPV detection was 77 percent in penile shaft and 66 percent in coronal sulcus. The most commonly detected types were HPV-16 (45 percent), HPV-11 (19 percent), HPV-6 (10 percent) and HPV-18 (9 percent). Múltiple infection wasfoundin 54 percent. The most frequent combinations were VPH11/16 (18 percent) and VPH16/18 (5 percent). Conclusions: HPV infection is highly frequent in asymptomatic male university students, high rísk HPV types were greatly predominant.

Declaración del Comité Consultivo de Inmunizaciones de la Sociedad Chilena de Infectología respecto a la vacuna antivirus papiloma humano: Septiembre 2008 / Human papillomavirus vaccine: Statement of the Advisory Committee of Immunizations on Behalf of the Chilean Infectious Diseases Society: September 2008

This article briefly reviews the epidemiology of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and associated diseases globally and in Chile, and the scientific ínformatíon of the licensed HPV vaccines: Gardasil® and Cervarix®. Considering the available information, the Advisory Committee on Immunizations of the Chilean Society of Infectious Diseases recommends vaccination of teenage girls, ideally before initiating sexual actívíty, Le. approximately at the age of 12 to 13 years and vaccination of women of any age if they have not started sexual activity. If women are vaccinated after initiating sexual activity, they should be informed of the lower efficacy of immunization if HPV infection has occurred. Education on responsible sexuality and sexually transmitted diseases should be maintained as a priority. Vaccination should be highly considered for inclusion in the National Immunization Program.

La vacuna contra el virus del papiloma humano: una gran arma para la prevención primaria del cßncer de cuello uterino / The human papillomavirus vaccine: A powerful tool for the primary prevention of cervical cancer

La vacuna profilßctica contra el virus del papiloma humano (VPH) constituye la herramienta de salud pública mßs promisoria para la prevención primaria de cßncer de cuello uterino. La vacunación de mujeres antes de haber adquirido la infección viral tiene un gran impacto en la prevención de lesiones pre- eoplßsicas y cßncer de cuello uterino. Las vacunas actuales no eliminan completamente el riesgo de cßncer de cérvix, por lo tanto las mujeres vacunadas como las que no alcancen a recibir la vacuna, se les debe seguir ofreciendo los programas de detección temprana. Las estrategias que incluyen la combinación de vacunación con alta cobertura de adolescentes y tamización con métodos mßs sensibles que la citología, tales como la prueba de VPH, pueden ser mßs costo-efectivas que las estrategias actualmente utilizadas. La inefectividad de los actuales programas de tamización en países latinoamericanos incluido Colombia, amerita su evaluación inmediata a la luz de la disponibilidad de nuevos métodos que son costo-efectivos en países en desarrollo tales como la prueba de VPH y la inspección visual y tratamiento inmediato para mujeres con dificultades de acceso oportuno al tratamiento.

Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is the most promissory public health tool for primary prevention of cervical cancer. Immunization of females before the acquisition of HPV infection has the greatest impact in preventing pre-neoplasic lesions and cervical cancer. Current HPV vaccines do not eliminate cervical cancer risk, therefore, screening should continue covering vaccinated as well as women that do not get the vaccine. The strategies that include combination of high-coverage vaccination of HPV-unexposed adolescents with screening using methods with higher sensitivity than cytology as HPV test may be more cost-effective than the strategies currently used. The cytology-based screening programs of Latin America countries including Colombia are very ineffective. The evidence in favor of the cost-effectiveness of other screening strategies such as HPV tests and visual inspection followed by immediate treatment for women with difficult access to health care services in developing countries warrants the immediate revision of the current strategies.

Models of Experimental Brain Tumors

Despite concentrated basic and clinical research efforts including the initial successful combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with BCNU, significant progress in the treatment of human brain tumors have been slow and looks for more successful strategies developed based upon the information from animal model system. It is to recreate in the laboratory under experimental condition a model of human brain tumors. Although no unique model of the numerous animal tumors resembling the spontaneous human brain tumors developed in these days, experimental animal models to have own specific adventages can be induced by exposure to oncogenic viruses or chemical carcinogens. Intracerebral injection of oncorna viruses can produce glioblastoma mutiformes, astrocytomas and sarcomas, while medulloblastoma, choroids plexus papilloma and ependymomas can be induced by papova viruses, and human adenovirus may cause neuroblastoma, medulloepithelioma and retinoblastomas. Chemical induction in adult animals and transplacental chemical induction were ependymoblastomas, glioma, gliosarcoma and malignant neurinomas. Reproducibility of location, cell type, and time of tumor appearances;expense;growth in tissue culture;trauma to brain;nature of vasculature, and amount of brain and tumor tissue available for examination are the variables to be considered in choosing a model to use in evaluating drug and other therapies, cell kinetics and immunological studies.