Impact of HIV Infection on Colorectal Tumors

Abstract

Non-AIDS defining cancer has recently become a major problem in HIV-infected patients. Little has been reported on whether HIV infection is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma, especially in Asians. The study was conducted under a prospective cross-sectional design and included all adults who underwent colonoscopy. Subjects were matched by age and sex to compare the prevalence of colorectal adenoma, adenocarcinoma, polyps, and other tumors. Detailed risk factors were assessed, including lifestyle habits, medications, comorbidities, gastrointestinal symptom rating scale, HIV-associated factors, and human papillomavirus infection. To evaluate the effects of HIV infection on adenoma, the odds ratio (OR) was estimated by multivariate logistic regression. A total of 177 HIV-infected patients and 177 controls were selected for analysis. No significant difference was noted in the prevalence of adenoma (n = 29 vs. 40, P = 0.14). Multivariate analysis adjusted by baseline demographics and risk factors showed that HIV is not associated with increased risk of adenoma (adjusted OR = 0.66, P = 0.16). Kaposi's sarcoma was more common in HIV-infected patients (n = 6 vs. 0, P = 0.03). Among HIV-infected patients, advanced age was an independent and significant risk factor for adenoma (adjusted OR = 2.28, P < 0.01). CD4 count, HIV-RNA, history of antiretroviral treatment, and oncogenic human papillomavirus infection were not risk factors for adenoma. HIV infection was not identified as risk for adenoma in Asian patients. However, advanced age was independently associated with increased risk of adenoma. HIV-infected patients should not miss screening opportunity for colorectal adenoma and other gastrointestinal malignancies.