Human Immunodeficiency VirusThe smallest type of organism known. A single virus particle (called a virion) is much smaller than a cell. Viruses reproduce by invading cells and forcing the cells to make progeny virions. Viruses generally have specific host cells which they infect. Some virus types are associated with specific cancers and can convert normal cells into cancer cells. Examples of viruses associated with cancer are: papillomavirus-cervical cancer, hepatitis virus-liver cancer, Epstein-Barr virus-Burkitt's lymphoma. Virus-induced transformation of cells was one of the very first model systems for the study of cancer. Viruses have also been a key tool in the identification of many oncogenes. Because of their great ability to enter target cells viruses such as adenoviruses are being examined for their ability to deliver genes to cancer cells. (HIV) causes severe repression of the body’s capacity to heal and fight off infection. As a result, HIV patients are at a greater risk for developing some cancers. For HIV positive patient, physicians must pay special attention to their cancer treatment, since damaging side effects may not be repaired as easily as they would by an HIV-negative patient. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been a source of hope for many HIV patients. This therapy combats the activity of the virus and allows for more aggressive forms of cancer treatment.
A study recently published in the International Journal of RadiationIn cancer biology: A cancer treatment in which high energy beams are used to kill cancer cells. Radiation can also cause genetic damage that can lead to cancer. As an example, skin cancer is believed to be greatly increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Oncology showed that HIV patients with head-and-neck cancer are able to undergo radiation therapy without an excessive level of toxicity; their reactions were similar to those of non-HIV patients. HAART has been invaluable in the fight to control HIV, and this study suggests that it may serve an additional role in expanding the treatment options of HIV-positive cancer patients.
Top