The HIV/Cancer Clinic at Miami Cancer Institute provides complete care for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cancer. Our expert team understands the unique and complex needs of these patients and provides personalized treatment plans that consider all aspects of their health.
Miami Cancer Institute is also part of the international AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC). With this designation, Miami Cancer Institute has shown expertise in innovative care for patients with HIV and cancer. Our membership in AMC also gives patients access to cutting-edge therapies that may not be widely available.
The relationship between HIV and cancer
People infected with HIV are more likely to develop certain types of cancer, especially Kaposi sarcoma, aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma and cervical cancer. HIV infection can also increase the risk for cancer of the anus, liver, lung and oral cavity, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Because HIV weakens the immune system, people with HIV can’t easily fight off other viruses that may cause cancer. These viruses can include:
- Epstein-Barr virus, which can cause some types of lymphoma
- Human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk for cervical, anal, oropharyngeal and other cancers
- Hepatitis B and C, which increase the risk for liver cancer
- Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), which causes Kaposi sarcoma and some types of lymphoma
Treatments and services we provide at the HIV/Cancer Clinic
At Miami Cancer Institute, we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with HIV and cancer. That means we involve experts from a wide range of specialties to make sure every patient receives the best possible care. Our clinic provides:
- Cancer treatment for HIV-infected patients
- Consultation services
- Bone marrow biopsies
- Imaging studies
- Lab tests and evaluation
Expertise in the latest treatment options
When a patient has HIV and cancer, doctors and caregivers must pay close attention to every detail of treatment. Our team has expertise in caring for these patients, so we understand the interactions between HIV antiviral medicines and cancer drugs. We carefully consider every treatment recommendation to make sure it’s the best option for that patient.
The HIV/Cancer Clinic at Miami Cancer Institute specializes in bone marrow transplantation. This treatment is one of the most promising therapies for patients with both HIV and cancer. With state-of-the-art facilities and bone marrow transplantation expertise, Miami Cancer Institute has the resources to provide this life-changing treatment.
Our team has also pioneered CAR-T cell therapy for patients with HIV and cancer. This type of immunotherapy uses the body’s T cells (white blood cells that destroy abnormal cells) to find and destroy cancer.
Other treatments for patients with HIV and cancer can include:
