A 15-YEAR retrospective study from southeastern Romania has revealed a high mortality burden associated with HIV-related lymphomas, underscoring the critical need for earlier diagnosis and integrated treatment strategies. The findings highlight the ongoing challenges faced by people living with HIV (PLWH) who develop lymphomas, despite advances in antiretroviral therapy.
Out of 476 newly diagnosed HIV/AIDS cases tracked over the study period, 9 patients developed lymphoma, yielding a prevalence of 1.89%. These malignancies accounted for 10.76% of HIV/AIDS-related deaths in the cohort, with an overall mortality rate of 13.6%. The median age at diagnosis was 37 years, with most patients being male smokers who acquired HIV through sexual transmission.
Clinical profiles revealed significant disease severity. Half of the patients presented with Ann Arbor stage IV lymphoma and experienced systemic type B symptoms. Coinfections were common, particularly with hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis, reflecting the complex interplay of comorbidities in this population.
Despite the severity of disease, only 5 patients received oncologic treatment, resulting in a modest survival rate of 30%. This low treatment uptake and poor survival reinforce concerns about gaps in care delivery and access to appropriate oncology services for HIV-positive individuals in resource-limited settings.
The study authors emphasize the urgent need for a multidisciplinary approach that integrates HIV management with oncologic care. Early detection strategies and robust access to lymphoma therapies could help reduce mortality and improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.
The data offer a sobering view of the persistent lethality of HIV-associated lymphomas and provide a foundation for future efforts aimed at improving care pathways and survival.
Reference:
Padurariu-Covit M-D et al. Retrospective analysis of HIV-associated lymphomas: insights from a single Romanian center over 15 years. Front Oncol. 2025;15:1569433.
