Treatment Option Overview for AIDS-Related Lymphoma

The treatment of patients with AIDS-related lymphomas presents the challenge of integrating therapy appropriate for the stage and histological subset of malignant lymphoma with the limitations imposed by HIV infection.[1] In addition to antitumor therapy, essential components of an optimal non-Hodgkin lymphoma treatment strategy include:[2,3]

Patients with HIV positivity and underlying immunodeficiency have poor bone marrow reserve, which compromises the potential for drug dose intensity. Intercurrent opportunistic infection is a risk that may also lead to a decrease in drug delivery. Furthermore, chemotherapy itself compromises the immune system and increases the likelihood of opportunistic infection.