Spectrum of cancer risk among HIV-infected people in the United States during the modern antiretroviral therapy era: a population-based registry linkage study

Abstract

Background

Monitoring cancer risk among HIV-infected people in the modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era is critical given their elevated risk for many cancers and prolonged survival with immunosuppression, ART exposure, and aging. Our study described cancer risk in HIV-infected people in the United States relative to the general population.

Methods

Utilizing data from linked population-based HIV and cancer registries (nine areas; 1996–2012), we calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). We tested SIR differences by AIDS status and over time using Poisson regression.

Findings

Among 448,258 HIV-infected people, risk was elevated (p<0·0001) for cancer overall (SIR 1·69; 95%CI: 1·67–1·72), AIDS-defining cancers (Kaposi sarcoma [498; 478–519], non-Hodgkin lymphoma [11·5; 11·1–11·9], and cervix [3·24; 2·94–3·56]), most other virus-related cancers (e.g., anus [19·1; 18·1–20·0], liver [3·21; 3·02–3·41], and Hodgkin lymphoma [7·70; 7·20–8·23]), and some virus-unrelated cancers (e.g., lung [1·97; 1·89–2·05]), but not for other common cancers. Risk for several cancers was higher after AIDS onset and declined across calendar periods. After multivariable adjustment, SIRs decreased significantly across 1996–2012 for six cancers (Kaposi sarcoma, two non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes, anus, liver, and lung) but remained elevated in the latest period. SIRs did not increase over time for any cancer.

Interpretation

Risks for several virus-related cancers and lung cancer declined among HIV-infected people, likely reflecting ART expansion since 1996. Despite declines, risk for many cancers remain elevated in the modern treatment era.

Funding

National Cancer Institute.