Researchers investigate how cancer drugs may affect individuals with HIV

Some research has shown that people who have HIV are more likely to develop cancer than those who do not have the virus. While scientists are unsure of what - if anything - is responsible for this connection, some believe that there is a growing need for information on how cancer drugs can interact with those used to treat HIV, or how they affect the disease itself.

Recently, the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC) conducted a study to investigate how participants on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) for HIV responded to the anti-cancer medication sunitinib.

The researchers explained that the latter drug stops the growth of cancer cells by blocking blood flow to the tumor and some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

The study's results showed that participants using HAART could safely receive sunitinib without serious adverse reactions. However, the investigators noted that there is much more research to be done on the topic of cancer and HIV.

"We're basically at square one because people with HIV usually are not included in cancer clinical trials. They're excluded because physicians are worried about causing further immune suppression in HIV patients, and because HAART drugs are notorious for causing drug interactions and serious side effects," said lead researcher John Deeken.