Current state of care for cancer patients with HIV in Russia: Data from an oncologist survey

Background. HIV infection and its consequences remain one of the dramatic problems of our time. Currently, for people receiving antiretroviral therapy, non-AIDS-related diseases are becoming relevant, among which malignant tumors are steadily coming to the fore. International data show that HIV-infected patients with cancer are significantly less likely to receive full anti-tumor treatment than patients without HIV. Aim. To obtain objective data on the incidence, clinical course, and effectiveness of the most common therapies for patients with malignancies and HIV in real-world practice in Russia. Materials and methods. The study was supported by the All-Russian National Union "Association of Oncologists of Russia." The questionnaire was sent to 1000 oncologists in all regions of the Russian Federation, of which 366 (36%) participated in the anonymous survey. The study did not imply any material award for the respondents. The questionnaire was developed with the direct collaboration of leading oncology experts in malignancies in HIV patients. It included questions about the frequency of follow-up of oncological patients with HIV, awareness of oncologists about the features of the malignancies in HIV patients, and treatment and supportive therapy of cancer patients with HIV infection. The key points of the analysis were the frequency and conditions of the standard anti-tumor treatment program for patients with cancer and HIV. Results. Lack of knowledge among oncologists, low oncological alertness among infectious disease doctors, and lack of specific guidelines for the management of this complex cohort of patients are the main reasons why patients with cancer and HIV fail to receive standard treatment for cancer in Russia. Conclusion. The urgency of the issue of treatment of patients with cancer and HIV warranted the study. This is due to the global trend of an increase in malignancies in HIV-infected people. Conducting educational activities, valid population studies, and creating a national register of these patients will form the basis for developing special clinical guidelines approved by the Ministry of Health of Russia.