Cancer patients with HIV infection: Exploring the disparities gap in their care

Since the introduction of the antiretroviral therapy, people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection now have a life expectancy approaching that of the general population, and therefore they also suffer from other diseases that require additional intensive care, such as cancer. Patients with cancer and HIV infection constitute a distinctive group of patients. Cancer is becoming the second most common cause of death among people infected with HIV. The epidemiology of cancer in patients with HIV infection distinguishes AIDS-defining cancers (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, cervical cancer) from non-AIDS-defining cancers (lung and rectal cancer). With the increase and aging of the HIV-infected population, cancers not defined by AIDS show increased incidence and survival. However, there are recognized disparities and inequalities in cancer care for people with HIV infection, both in screening and diagnosis, as well as in the treatment and outcomes of patients. This review explores these disparities and their causes.