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Lymphoproliferations in People Living with HIV: Oncogenic Pathways, Diagnostic Challenges, and New Therapeutic Opportunities
1
Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
2
Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
3
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
4
Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Cancers 2025, 17(13), 2088; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17132088 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 16 May 2025
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Revised: 20 June 2025
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Accepted: 21 June 2025
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Published: 22 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oncogenesis of Lymphoma)
Simple Summary
People living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are at significantly increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders. Although the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has markedly improved survival, lymphomas remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. In this review, we discuss the key features of this heterogeneous group of tumors, highlight current diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and explore emerging immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at improving lymphoma outcomes in individuals with HIV.
Abstract
Although efficiently managed by cART, chronic HIV infection remains associated with a high incidence of malignant lymphomas. This diverse group of tumors presents considerable challenges in research, diagnosis, and treatment due to their complex pathogenesis, heterogeneous tumor microenvironment, and frequently aggressive clinical behavior. In this review, we examine the multifactorial pathogenesis of lymphomas arising in people living with HIV (PLWH), encompassing both direct and indirect oncogenic mechanisms. We summarize the key histopathological features and microenvironmental characteristics that may influence therapeutic responses. Current treatment strategies approved for the treatment of lymphomas in PLWH are showing outcomes comparable with those observed in patients without HIV. Notably, the immune reconstitution achieved through cART has renewed interest in immunotherapeutic approaches for HIV-associated lymphomas, with several strategies under clinical investigation. However, progress in the diagnosis and management of these malignancies is hindered by fragmented research efforts and the frequent exclusion of PLWH from pivotal clinical trials. Coordinated efforts are essential to overcome these barriers, reduce lymphoma incidence, and improve survival outcomes in this vulnerable population.
