Breast cancer in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a cases series report and an incidence rate estimate

Braz J Infect Dis. 2011 Jul-Aug;15(4):387-93. doi: 10.1590/s1413-86702011000400016.

Abstract

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has changed the morbidity pattern affecting HIV-infected individuals to include non-AIDS-defining cancers. We describe the breast cancer cases occurring in a cohort of 860 HIV-infected women followed in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and estimate the incidence rate of breast cancer for this population. Nine cases were identified; median age at diagnosis was 46 years. Median survival after breast cancer diagnosis was 12 months. Breast cancer diagnosis was made within 2 to 15 years of HIV-infection diagnosis. At breast cancer diagnosis, CD4 counts ranged from 135 to 782 cells/mm3; six women were receiving HAART. Histological analysis indicated infiltrating ductal carcinoma in all cases. The incidence rate of breast cancer was 133 cases per 100,000 persons-year. Patients from our case series were late diagnosed with breast cancer and thus suffered from worse prognosis. Strategies targeting earlier diagnosis and prompt initiation of treatment are needed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms / complications*
  • Breast Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast / mortality
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / complications*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Survival Rate