Crucial intersection of oncology and HIV research, with insights for clinical practice
Thomas A. Odeny, MD, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine at WashU Division of Medical Oncology, leads the Global Oncology Initiative. He recently was published in Science Direct with new insights into HIV and cancer research.
Dr. Odeny’s research focuses on applying implementation science and technological innovations to improve cancer prevention, care, and treatment efforts globally and increase access and representation of underrepresented groups in cancer clinical trials in Africa.
Key Points from the Publication:
- Many factors contribute to a continued increased cancer risk among people with HIV (PWH) globally, despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART).
- Behavioral, vaccination, and screening interventions are currently available to reduce cancer risk and should be integrated into routine healthcare, alongside continued research and tailoring to meet the diverse needs of PWH globally.
- PWH diagnosed with cancer can often be treated similarly to people without HIV in the ART era – including with novel cancer therapies and in clinical trials – but unique treatment challenges and opportunities remain among PWH.
- Collaborative multidisciplinary efforts, leveraging implementation science, are critical for continued progress against cancer in PWH, especially in parts of the world with the greatest burden of HIV
“New cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries will increase by more than 140% by 2050. The situation is even more striking in Africa – already burdened by the highest global prevalence of HIV – where new cancer cases are projected to double by 2040. People with HIV (PWH) have higher risk of cancer and experience higher cancer-specific mortality than people without HIV. In addition, they are more likely to be diagnosed with advanced stage cancer, and less likely to receive cancer treatment or be enrolled in cancer clinical trials. Implementation science has informed successful HIV care delivery models and strategies, and these could be adapted, integrated, and scaled to deliver effective cancer control interventions for PWH and cancer globally,” shares. Dr. Odeny.
This article sheds light on the crucial intersection of oncology and HIV research, and offers new insights for clinical practice for both oncologists and infectious disease specialists globally.