Cancer Treatment in HIV — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHIV MedicineCancer Treatment in HIVSCE Infectious Diseases

A 35-year-old woman with HIV (CD4 300, VL <50 on ART) is diagnosed with cervical cancer (FIGO stage IB). She is referred to gynaecological oncology. What is the key message about cancer treatment in well-controlled HIV?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Standard oncological treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) should be offered — outcomes in well-controlled HIV are approaching those of HIV-negative patients; HIV status should NOT lead to substandard cancer care

The principle of standard oncological care for PLWH with well-controlled HIV is fundamental. With effective ART achieving immune reconstitution, cancer treatment outcomes (including cervical cancer) are approaching HIV-negative benchmarks. Key considerations: check ART-chemotherapy drug interactions (use Liverpool interactions database), ensure PJP/fungal prophylaxis during chemotherapy, monitor CD4 (may drop during chemo), and maintain ART throughout cancer treatment. HIV-positive women with cervical cancer should receive the same staging investigations and treatment as HIV-negative women.

Reference: BHIVA 2022 – HIV-associated malignancy; NICE NG36 2016 – Cervical cancer; WHO 2021