Is blood cell transplant effective in HIV-associated lymphoma?

This study investigated the effects of blood cell transfer in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who had developed lymphomas. At 4 years, it was found that 70% of patients survived following blood cell transfer.

Lymphomas are forms of cancer which affect the blood cells. Two common types of lymphoma are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Patients with human immunodeficiency virus may often develop lymphoma. This often happens when patients do not respond to HIV treatments. Transfer of blood cells known as hematopoietic cell transplantation, cures many of these patients. It is important to investigate the safety and effectiveness of blood cell transplant for patients with HIV-associated lymphoma.

This study included 20 patients with HIV-associated lymphoma who were non-responsive to treatment. Fourteen of the patients had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Six of the patients had Hodgkin lymphoma. All patients received a blood-cell transfer. At the time of transfer, HIV was not apparent in 14 of the patients. The effects of the transfer were measured for 49 months on average.

After 4 years, 65% of patients had not experienced disease worsening. Seventy percent of patients survived during this time. After 4 years, 5% of patients had died due to factors other than the cancer returning.

The main finding of the study was 70% of patients who underwent blood cell transfer survived.

This study only included 20 patients. Therefore, the results may not be applicable to a larger population.

If you have questions about the management of HIV-associated lymphoma, please ask your doctor.