From the Research
Association between HIV and CML
- There is evidence to suggest that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is associated with an increased risk of developing Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) 1, 2.
- Studies have reported cases of CML in HIV-infected individuals, with some suggesting that the natural history and behavior of HIV-CML is different and more aggressive than CML in non-HIV infected individuals 2.
- Concurrent treatment with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) can result in appropriate control of CML and HIV infection, as well as long-term survival 1, 2.
Treatment Outcomes
- Treatment outcomes for CML in HIV-infected individuals have been reported, with some studies suggesting that concurrent treatment with cART and TKIs can be effective in achieving cytogenetic response and controlling HIV infection 1.
- However, drug interactions between antiretroviral therapy and TKIs may require adjustment of treatment 2.
- Other studies have reported on the treatment outcomes of Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) in patients living with HIV, highlighting the need for further research in this area 3.
HIV-1 Infection and CML
- Research has also explored the relationship between HIV-1 infection and CML, with one study suggesting that ponatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat CML, may have antiviral activity against HIV-1 infection 4.
- This study found that treatment with ponatinib resulted in a sustained antiviral response against HIV-1 infection in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from people with CML 4.
Side Effects of TKI Therapy
- Another study examined the side effects of TKI therapy on liver enzymes and serum electrolytes in HCV-, HBV-, and HIV-negative CP-CML patients, finding that treatment with imatinib or nilotinib resulted in significant increases in liver enzymes, but no changes in serum electrolytes 5.