Lymphoid Proliferations Associated With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

Context.—Individuals who are immune deficient are at an increased risk for developing lymphoproliferative lesions and lymphomas. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is 1 of 4 clinical settings associated with immunodeficiency recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in which there is an increased incidence of lymphoma and other lymphoproliferative disorders. Objectives.—To describe the major categories of benign lymphoid proliferations, including progressive HIV-related lymphadenopathy, benign lymphoepithelial cystic lesions, and multicentric Castleman disease, as well as the different types of HIV-related lymphomas as defined by the WHO. The characteristic morphologic, immunophenotypic, and genetic features of the different entities will be discussed in addition to some of the pathogenetic mechanisms. Data Sources.—The WHO classification of tumors of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues (2001 and 2008), published literature from PubMed (National Library of Medicine), published textbooks, and primary material from the authors' current and previous institutions. Conclusions.—HIV infection represents one of the clinical settings recognized by the WHO in which immunodeficiency-related lymphoproliferative disorders may arise. Although most lymphomas that arise in patients with HIV infection are diffuse, aggressive B-cell lesions, other lesions, which are “benign” lymphoid proliferations, may also be associated with significant clinical consequences. These lymphoproliferations, like many other immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders, are often difficult to classify. Studies of HIV-associated lymphoid proliferations will continue to increase our understanding of both the immune system and lymphomagenesis.

Enhanced DNA repair and genomic stability identify a novel HIV‐related diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma signature

“…The immunocompromised milieu of individuals infected (+) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their inability to execute appropriate immune responses has long been associated with an increased risk for the development of cancer. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining cancers include lymphoma, of which diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) accounts for approximately 40% of AIDS‐related lymphomas . Although the risk of developing DLBCL has decreased substantially in the combined antiretroviral therapy era, HIV(+) patients are still 17 times more likely to receive a diagnosis of DLBCL compared to HIV(−) individuals .…”

A lymphomagenic role for HIV beyond immune suppression?

“…19,20 The viral contribution to the development of HIV-associated malignancies has been extensively studied, but only 2 oncogenic viruses (ie, Epstein Barr virus [EBV] and KSHV) have been pathogenically associated with specific lymphoma types occurring in the HIV setting. 4,21,22 Table 2 lists the lymphoid proliferations occurring in HIV-infected patients that carry infection by EBV and/or KSHV.…”

Cutaneous Lymphomas in HIV‐Infected Individuals

“…Patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may develop benign and malignant lymphoproliferative disorders [1][2][3]. It has been estimated that HIV + patients have a risk of developing a malignant lymphoma up to 200-fold higher than normal individuals.…”