Outcomes and Tolerance of Human Immunodeficiency Virus–Positive U.S. Veterans Undergoing Dose-Escalated External Beam Radiotherapy for Localized Prostate Cancer

Abstract

IntroductionThere are little data on the outcomes and tolerance, as well as the impact on the CD4 counts, of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–positive patients with prostate cancer who undergo high-dose external beam radiotherapy. Materials and MethodsWe identified 15 HIV-positive patients with prostate cancer who were treated with external beam radiation to a dose ≥ 75.6 Gy at the New York Harbor Department of Veterans Affairs between 2003 and 2010. Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to measure biochemical control outcomes. Toxicity and CD4 counts before, after, and during treatments were analyzed. ResultsA total of 15 patients were identified, with a median follow-up period of 49 months. There were 2 biochemical failures, which occurred at 28 months and 63 months, respectively. In neither of these 2 patients was there evidence of metastatic disease. The overall 5-year biochemical control was 92.3%. There appeared to be a consistent decline in the CD4 counts both during and immediately after the radiation treatments. Most of these patients had a subsequent improvement in their CD4 counts. Toxicity was mild overall, though there was 1 patient who developed rectal bleeding 11 months post treatment, which required argon plasma coagulation. ConclusionDose-escalated external beam radiation is well tolerated in HIV-positive patients with durable biochemical control and mild toxicity. A substantial decline in CD4 counts is associated with the radiation; therefore, these counts need to be monitored closely, in conjunction with the infectious-disease specialist.