# The Challenging Scenario of Cancer Treatment for People with HIV: Clinical Experience with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

## TL;DR

This paper discusses the challenges of treating cancer in people with HIV using immune checkpoint inhibitors, emphasizing the need for specialized care.

## Contribution

The paper presents real-world clinical cases and highlights the importance of collaboration between oncologists and HIV specialists in managing these patients.

## Key findings

- Patients with HIV and cancer face unique treatment challenges and higher mortality rates.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors show potential but require careful management in HIV-positive cancer patients.
- Collaboration between specialists is essential for effective treatment of HIV-positive cancer patients.

## Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been a notable increase in the utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer care, transforming the therapeutic landscape for several types of solid tumors. This development has not only expanded the indications for treatment but has also significantly influenced management strategies and prognostic outcomes for specific subsets of cancer patients. In contrast to the general population of cancer patients, individuals diagnosed with both HIV and cancer encounter significant differences in treatment approaches and outcomes. Consequently, this population demonstrates a significantly increased rate of specific mortality for several common types of cancer. Recent studies have reported significant insights into the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors among this patient group. However, the data remain insufficient, and there are still recognized barriers and limitations regarding the use of these agents in cancer patients. Real-world data and reports from clinical practice offer critical perspectives, enabling the sharing of clinical experiences and assisting in navigating complex management decisions. This report outlines two cases of patients with concurrent HIV and cancer who were administered ICIs in diverse clinical settings, highlighting the necessity of cooperation between oncologists and HIV specialists to provide patients with cutting-edge and increasingly tailored treatment options.