patients who are infected with HIV.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) likely plays a causal role in the development of some types of lymphoma, including NHL. NHL occurs more frequently in gay and bisexual men than in other patients who are infected with HIV.

NHL is the second most common AIDS-associated cancer. Some researchers suspect that it may become the most common AIDS-related cancer. NHL takes several years to spread and develop tumors large enough to detect. More patients who have HIV/AIDS now are developing NHL, because antiretroviral therapy is helping them live longer, healthier lives. People on antiretroviral therapy who have normal CD4+ counts and undetectable viral loads can develop NHL.

NHL can affect many different organs, including the lungs and bone marrow. Symptoms include the following:

• Painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits
• Itchy skin
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

NHL usually is treated with chemotherapy, radiation, or both. Treatment is slightly different for patients who are infected with HIV, and antiretroviral therapy may require some modification during chemotherapy. Anyone with HIV/AIDS who has NHL should be treated by a cancer specialist (oncologist) who is an expert in the care and treatment of people with HIV/AIDS. Antiretrovirals can make treatment for NHL more effective.