Chemotherapy regimens for people with HIV and cancer

Chemotherapy regimens for people with HIV and cancer

A group of researchers assessed the safety and tolerability of a full dose of chemotherapy in the treatment of a cancer that is common in people living with HIV. The study into the paclitaxel and carboplatin (PCb) based treatment was published in Oncology Nurse Advisor.

The researchers selected 16 patients for 64 cycles of chemotherapy. The participants were divided into two groups:

• Group One: Receiving antiretroviral treatment - including the CYP3AR inhibitor, ritonavir.
• Group Two: Receiving antiretroviral treatment - without ritonavir.

Participants received carboplatin and paclitaxel intravenously every three weeks for a maximum of six cycles. Participants were assessed every two cycles using radiological studies and tumour response.

Each participant managed at least two cycles, with the median number being four cycles.

Three participants had a partial response, ranging from 16 to 22 months, six participants stabilised, and two patients experienced toxicity of grade three or higher. The most common consequences of the toxicity were granulocytopenia (40%), infection (15%) and anaemia (15%).

Concluding the study and based on the results, the authors wrote that people living with HIV may be given a full dose of PCb to treat their cancer and that there is no need to reduce the dose of anti-tumour therapy - regardless of antiretroviral therapy.