HIV-related esophageal carcinoma similar to that seen in non-HIV patients

A recently published clinical observation has found that HIV-related primary esophageal carcinoma is a non-AIDS-defining cancer the presentation, treatment and outcome of which is similar to that seen in the general population.

According to researchers, there is little data on people with HIV and primary esophageal carcinomas. In order to learn more, physicians from around the world compiled data on this patient type and completed questionnaires detailing information.

Nineteen patients were involved in this study; all had primary adenocarcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus. Median age of patients was 48 years. Patients had a median CD4 lymphocyte count of 376 cells/mcL. Most patients were men and white.

The distal esophagus was the most frequently reported primary site. Treatments included surgical resection (37%), first-line fluorouracil-based chemotherapy (58%) and radiation (37%).

Although the researchers reported that most patients died, only five deaths (26%) were attributed to esophageal carcinoma.

“Further studies of non-AIDS-defining cancers should include esophageal carcinomas to better determine the incidence of this aggressive cancer and to heighten awareness of this malignant condition in the HIV-seropositive population,” the researchers wrote.

Stebbing J. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170:203-207.