HIV related non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The risk of developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma is higher in patients with HIV (1).

• 6-10% of HIV infected individuals develop non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• AIDS-related non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (ARL) is an AIDS defining illness
• it is the second commonest tumour affecting people with HIV (1)

The lymphomas are usually high grade B cell lymphomas, though low grade and T cell lymphomas do occur.

Older age, low CD4 cell counts and failure of prior treatment with highly active anti retroviral therapy (HAART) has been shown to be associated with the development of ARL (1)

Patients may present with lymphadenopathy, fevers, night sweats and abdominal masses or as cerebral lymphomas with neurological problems (2).

The bone marrow, CNS, gut and liver are commonly involved. Involvement of the CNS is higher when compared to HIV negative patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (1).

Reference:

• (1) British HIV Association 2008. British HIV association guideline for HIV associated malignancies 2008
• (2)The Medical Foundation for AIDS & Sexual Health (MedFASH) 2005. HIV in primary care: an essential guide to HIV for GPs, practice nurses and other members of the primary healthcare team