Women living with HIV have long faced a higher risk of cervical dysplasia and cervical cancer, primarily caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Regular screening for cervical abnormalities and discussions about HPV vaccination remain essential parts of care for women with HIV.
A 20-year study by researchers from seven major U.S. cancer centers has provided new insights into how HIV affects cervical cancer treatment outcomes. The study analyzed medical data collected between 1997 and 2017, covering 62 women with HIV and 172 women without HIV. The participants had similar ages and cancer stages when diagnosed and were monitored for about four years. Most cases occurred between 2009 and 2017.
At diagnosis, most women had advanced disease, with the cancer spreading to the lower vagina, nearby lymph nodes, and in some cases, the kidneys (stage 3). About half of all participants received chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
The findings revealed that women with HIV who consistently took antiretroviral therapy (ART) had similar survival rates to those without HIV. However, women who were not adherent to ART faced a higher risk of death and poorer responses to cervical cancer treatment. The rate of severe side effects from treatment was similar across all groups, regardless of HIV status or ART adherence.
Although the study was relatively small and retrospective, it included patients from multiple leading centers across the U.S., helping to reduce potential bias. The researchers emphasized that women with HIV should be treated with the goal of curing their cervical cancer. They also highlighted the importance of strict adherence to ART to improve treatment outcomes.
The study noted a lack of information about why some women struggled with ART adherence. The authors suggested that better adherence support programs could strengthen outcomes for women with HIV.
In Canada, similar challenges persist. An Ontario study of 591 women with HIV found that only 13% had received at least one HPV vaccine dose. Another study spanning British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec, involving nearly 1,200 women with HIV, found that one-third reported delays in cervical cancer screening, and one-quarter had never discussed screening recommendations with healthcare providers.
Experts stress that more targeted efforts are needed in Canada to increase HPV vaccination and improve regular cervical screening among women with HIV. These preventive steps remain vital in reducing the risk of cervical cancer and supporting long-term health.
Related topics
