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Lymphoma

HIV-Associated Lymphoma

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The content below has been reviewed and approved by HIV-associated lymphoma experts at The James.

HIV-associated lymphoma is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lymph system of patients who have tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV attacks and weakens the body's immune system. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) weakens the immune system due to HIV infection, resulting in higher risk for life-threatening diseases including cancer. Learn about risk factors that can lead to HIV-Associated Lymphoma.

The experts at the OSUCCC – James provide internationally recognized patient care specifically designed to offer comprehensive lymphoma treatment for patients with AIDS/HIV and other immune deficiency disorders. This is the only clinic providing care specifically for patients with AIDS/HIV and lymphoma in the Midwest. The OSUCCC – James is one of a handful of National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States with NIH support to lead phase I and II clinical trials on novel anticancer drugs.

At the OSUCCC – James, our specialized team caring for patients with AIDS/HIV-related lymphomas has expertise in medical oncology and infectious disease. In addition to our primary physicians in the clinic, the larger multidisciplinary team comprises experts in radiation oncology, hematologic and surgical pathology, and a pharmacy specializing in infectious disease and oncology medications. This group works collaboratively to design the very best treatment plan and therapies to target each patient’s specific lymphoma. Members from the group serve on lymphoma and translational cooperative groups at the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC) and also contribute to the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines for HIV-related lymphomas.

The OSUCCC – James is a member of the AMC, an organization supported by NCI.

The AIDS/HIV Lymphoma Clinic’s cancer research experts initiate and lead advanced studies and clinical trials, continually working to develop innovative, leading-edge approaches for managing patients with HIV-related lymphomas. Some of the country’s most advanced clinical trials are right here at the OSUCCC – James, and patients know that additional options, when needed, are always available for their treatment and care.

If you’ve been diagnosed with HIV-associated lymphoma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a lymphoma specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.

What Is HIV-Associated Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Aggressive non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is considered an AIDS-defining cancer because of its relationship to severe immune dysfunction.

AIDS-defining cancers include some NHL, Kaposi sarcoma, and cervical cancer. People living with HIV are 12 times more likely to be diagnosed with NHL, and often these lymphomas are virus related. Viruses associated with NHL include Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Human Herpes Virus Eight (HHV8), also referred to as Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV). These are often referred to as B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

The most common types include:

Burkitt Lymphoma is an aggressive, fast-growing type of B-cell NHL that occurs most often in children and young adults. The disease may affect lymph nodes as well as sites outside of the lymph system including the central nervous system, bowel, kidneys, ovaries or other organs.

Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma is one of the most frequently diagnosed NHLs and usually , with rapidly growing tumors in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, bone marrow or other organs. There are many types of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, and treatment depends on the specific type. Plasmablastic lymphoma is one type that often occurs in people with AIDS/HIV and is associated with HHV8 infection.

Primary Effusion Lymphoma (PEL) is a rare HIV-associated NHL that accounts for approximately 4 percent of all HIV-associated NHL. This is an aggressive NHL that primarily presents with malignant fluid collections around organs like the heart, lungs, and abdominal cavity.

Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma (PCNSL) presents in tissues of the brain, spinal cord, meninges (outer covering of the brain) or eye (called ocular lymphoma).

What Is HIV-Associated Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a cancer that develops in the lymph nodes and is referred to as a non-AIDS-defining cancer. Non-AIDS-defining cancers occur more often in patients with chronic HIV infection. Contrary to HL that develops in HIV-negative patients, HIV-associated HL is almost universally associated with Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection. People with HIV are eight times more likely to be diagnosed with HL.