Results from two new studies, including a large study from the National Cancer Institute, confirm that cases of non-AIDS-defining cancers are increasing among people with AIDS.

“The changing number and types of cancer for people with HIV/AIDS highlights the need for research focusing on the specific cancer prevention needs of this population, including smoking cessation, treatment of hepatitis B and C viral infections, and prevention and screening for HPV-related cancers,” said Dr. Eric A. Engels, lead investigator of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) study, in a press release.

Cancer is…

Results from a recent German study indicate that non-AIDS-defining cancers are now more prevalent than AIDS-defining cancers among people with HIV and two to three times more common than in the general population. Results showed that anal cancer and Hodgkin’s lymphoma in particular are much more common among people with HIV.

In light of these results, the study authors called for more intensive cancer prevention efforts in people with HIV, including at least once yearly screening for anal cancer in all men and women who engage in receptive anal intercourse.…

Results from a recent study showed that low arm and leg muscle mass and high abdominal fat are linked to higher risk of death in people with HIV. The authors of the study suggested that doctors may be underestimating mortality risk in people with HIV when using body mass index or weight alone to predict poor or declining health.

Dr. Rebecca Scherzer from the University of California at San Francisco presented the results at the 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI).

“Clinicians should consider measuring waist circumference and…

Two articles published by American researchers in the January issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes (JAIDS) showed that HIV-infected adults and children are living longer than they did in the mid-1990s.

One study monitored mortality rates and causes of death in HIV-infected children from 1993 to 2006, a period of time when highly active antiretroviral treatment (HAART) was introduced.

The other study estimated life expectancy and average years of life lost in adults following HIV diagnosis.

Researchers found that pediatric death rates significantly decreased between 1994 and…