Lymphomas and Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Insights from a 15-Year Retrospective Romanian Study

Lymphoma is a significant cause of mortality among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). This retrospective study analyzes the prevalence, mortality and clinical-demographic characteristics of patients with lymphoma associated with HIV infection in the South East of Romania, monitored in the HIV/AIDS center in Galati, over a period of 15 years. Among the 476 new cases of HIV/AIDS infection registered, 9 cases of lymphoma were identified, representing a prevalence of 1.89 %. Overall mortality was 13.6 %, and lymphoma contributed to 10,76 % of HIV-related deaths. The average age at lymphoma diagnosis was 37 years, with most patients being men and smokers with sexually transmitted HIV. Common co-infections included hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis. Advanced stage disease (Ann Arbor stage IV) and type B clinical signs were present in half of the cases. Oncological treatment was provided in 5 cases, with a survival rate of 30%. The high mortality underlines the need for early diagnosis and an integrated therapeutic approach to improve the prognosis of patients with lymphomas associated with HIV infection.