HIV infection is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer, independent of smoking

Gregory D. Kirk, Christian Merlo, Peter O'Driscoll, Shruti H. Mehta, Noya Galai, David Vlahov, Jonathan Samet, Eric A. Engels

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

274 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons have an elevated risk for lung cancer, but whether the increase reflects solely their heavy tobacco use remains an open question. Methods. The Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) Link to the Intravenous Experience Study has prospectively observed a cohort of injection drug users in Baltimore, Maryland, since 1988, using biannual collection of clinical, laboratory, and behavioral data. Lung cancer deaths were identified through linkage with the National Death Index. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the effect of HIV infection on lung cancer risk, controlling for smoking status, drug use, and clinical variables. Results. Among 2086 AIDS Link to the Intravenous Experience Study participants observed for 19,835 personyears, 27 lung cancer deaths were identified; 14 of the deaths were among HIV-infected persons. All but 1 (96%) of the patients with lung cancer were smokers, smoking a mean of 1.2 packs per day. Lung cancer mortality increased during the highly active antiretroviral therapy era, compared with the pre-highly active antiretroviral therapy period (mortality rate ratio, 4.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-16). After adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, and calendar period, HIV infection was associated with increased lung cancer risk (hazard ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-7.9). Preexisting lung disease, particularly noninfectious diseases and asthma, displayed trends for increased lung cancer risk. Illicit drug use was not associated with increased lung cancer risk. Among HIV-infected persons, smoking remained the major risk factor; CD4 cell count and HIV load were not strongly associated with increased lung cancer risk, and trends for increased risk with use of highly active antiretroviral therapy were not significant. Conclusions. HIV infection is associated with significantly increased risk for developing lung cancer, independent of smoking status.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)103-110
Number of pages8
JournalClinical Infectious Diseases
Volume45
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 1 2007

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'HIV infection is associated with an increased risk for lung cancer, independent of smoking'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this