Trends in Cancer Diagnoses Among People Living with HIV: A 20-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Center in Thailand

<b>Background</b>: Cancer epidemiology data for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Thailand, particularly in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), remain limited. In this study, we describe the prevalence, temporal trends, clinical characteristics, and survival outcomes of patients with AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). <b>Methods</b>: We retrospectively reviewed adult PLWH diagnosed with malignancy at Songklanagarind Hospital in Thailand during 2003-2023. Demographic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related, and clinical data were analyzed using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and the Kaplan-Meier method. <b>Results</b>: Among 444 patients, 231 had NADCs and 213 had ADCs. The NADC proportion increased markedly over time. Common ADCs included non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer; common NADCs included lung cancer, non-nasopharyngeal head and neck cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Compared with patients with ADCs, those with NADCs were older, more often male, and had higher proportions of undetectable HIV viral load, CD4 counts ≥200 cells/µL, and ART use. Approximately one-third of patients presented with advanced-stage disease, and the median overall survival was 15.9 months. <b>Conclusions</b>: Over two decades, NADCs have become the predominant malignancy in Thai PLWH, associated with older age, male sex, and improved immune function. This reflects the evolving cancer risk in the era of combination ART. We suggest employing multidisciplinary approaches involving HIV and cancer care to improve survival outcomes and integrating age-appropriate screening for common NADCs into HIV care.

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Journal
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Published
2025-12-19
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm15010022
Primary Topic
Viral-associated cancers and disorders
Type
article
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article

Trends in Cancer Diagnoses Among People Living with HIV: A 20-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Center in Thailand

Jirapat Wonglhow, Arunee Dechaphunkul, Patrapim Sunpaweravong, Supakorn Chaiwiriyawong et al.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Viral-associated cancers and disorders
article

Trends in Cancer Diagnoses Among People Living with HIV: A 20-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Center in Thailand

Jirapat Wonglhow, Arunee Dechaphunkul, Patrapim Sunpaweravong, Supakorn Chaiwiriyawong, Chirawadee Sathitruangsak
article en

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: Cancer epidemiology data for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) in Thailand, particularly in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy (ART), remain limited. In this study, we describe the prevalence, temporal trends, clinical characteristics, and survival outcomes of patients with AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs) and non-AIDS-defining cancers (NADCs). <b>Methods</b>: We retrospectively reviewed adult PLWH diagnosed with malignancy at Songklanagarind Hospital in Thailand during 2003-2023. Demographic, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related, and clinical data were analyzed using chi-square and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and the Kaplan-Meier method. <b>Results</b>: Among 444 patients, 231 had NADCs and 213 had ADCs. The NADC proportion increased markedly over time. Common ADCs included non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer; common NADCs included lung cancer, non-nasopharyngeal head and neck cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Compared with patients with ADCs, those with NADCs were older, more often male, and had higher proportions of undetectable HIV viral load, CD4 counts ≥200 cells/µL, and ART use. Approximately one-third of patients presented with advanced-stage disease, and the median overall survival was 15.9 months. <b>Conclusions</b>: Over two decades, NADCs have become the predominant malignancy in Thai PLWH, associated with older age, male sex, and improved immune function. This reflects the evolving cancer risk in the era of combination ART. We suggest employing multidisciplinary approaches involving HIV and cancer care to improve survival outcomes and integrating age-appropriate screening for common NADCs into HIV care.

Journal of Clinical MedicineVol. 15(1)
Prince of Songkla University (TH)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 32%
Viral-associated cancers and disorders
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Trends in Cancer Diagnoses Among People Living with HIV: A 20-Year Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Center in Thailand — Jirapat Wonglhow, Arunee Dechaphunkul, et al. · Journal of Clinical Medicine (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS