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The burden of cancer among people living with HIV in Ontario, Canada, 1997-2020: a retrospective population-based cohort study using administrative health data

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Background — With combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) and increased longevity, cancer is a leading cause of morbidity among people with HIV. We characterized trends in cancer burden among people with HIV in Ontario, Canada, between 1997 and 2020.

Methods — We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study of adults with HIV using linked administrative health databases from Jan. 1, 1997, to Nov. 1, 2020. We grouped cancers as infection-related AIDS-defining cancers (ADCs), infection-related non-ADCs (NADCs) and infection-unrelated cancers. We calculated age-standardized incidence rates per 100 000 person-years with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using direct standardization, stratified by calendar period and sex. We also calculated limited-duration prevalence.

Results — Among 19 403 adults living with HIV (79% males), 1275 incident cancers were diagnosed. From 1997–2000 to 2016– 2020, we saw a decrease in the incidence of all cancers (1113.9 [95% CI 657.7–1765.6] to 683.5 [95% CI 613.4–759.4] per 100 000 person-years), ADCs (403.1 [95% CI 194.2–739.0] to 103.8 [95% CI 79.2–133.6] per 100 000 person-years) and infection-related NADCs (196.6 [95% CI 37.9–591.9] to 121.9 [95% CI 94.3–154.9] per 100 000 person-years). The incidence of infection-unrelated cancers was stable at 451.0 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 410.3–494.7). The incidence of cancer among females increased over time but was similar to that of males in 2016–2020.

Interpretation — Over a 24-year period, the incidence of cancer decreased overall, largely driven by a considerable decrease in the incidence of ADC, whereas the incidence of infection-unrelated cancer remained unchanged and contributed to the greatest burden of cancer. These findings could reflect combination ART–mediated changes in infectious comorbidity and increased life expectancy; targeted cancer screening and prevention strategies are needed.

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Citation

Nicolau IA, Antoniou T, Brooks JD, Moineddin R, Cooper C, Cotterchio M, Gillis JL, Kendall CE, Kroch AE, Lindsay JD, Price C, Salters K, Smieja M, Burchell AN. CMAJ Open. 2022; 10(3):E666-74. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

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