Casuistic Contribution · Kasuistik

Malignant Melanoma and HIV Infection – Aggressive Course despite Immune Reconstitution
C. Hoffmann^a; H. Horst^a; M. Weichenthal^b; A. Hauschild^b

^aII. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, ^bKlinik für Dermatologie, Venerologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Germany

Onkologie 2005;28:35-37
(DOI: 10.1159/000082291)

  Summary

Background: Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has altered the course of most AIDS-related malignancies. There is some evidence that cellular immunity plays an important role in the progression of metastatic melanoma. Case Report: We report on a patient suffering from metastatic melanoma and HIV infection. The 53-year-old man received HAART in order to use both its anti-tumor efficacy and its stimulating effect on cellular and humoral immune functions. Furthermore, our patient was treated with interleukin-2, a drug which has shown efficacy in metastatic melanoma and HIV infection. Results: Although the CD4 and CD8 cell count increased significantly, a fulminant progression of melanoma in the liver and spleen was noted, and the patient died subsequently. Conclusion: This case describes that neither immune reconstitution through HAART nor interleukin-2 treatment were able to lead into an anti-tumor response. HIV-infected patients should be monitored routinely for an early diagnosis of this potentially lethal disease.

Copyright © 2005 S. Karger GmbH, Freiburg