HIV-associated lymphomas.

Abstract

Intermediate and high-grade non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) with a B-cell phenotype are AIDS-defining illnesses. The incidence of systemic NHL is over 100 times increased, primary central nervous system NHL is over 3000 times increased, and Hodgkin's disease is approximately 10 times increased in the HIV-infected population. Unusual extranodal presentations of NHL and Hodgkin's disease are seen in HIV-infected individuals. High-grade histologies are common for both NHL and Hodgkin's disease in the HIV setting. Treatment approaches may be changing with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which may allow patients to tolerate more intensive treatment.