HIV screening among patients with newly diagnosed solid and hematologic malignancies in a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.6910
- Author:
Jonnel B. Poblete
1
;
Andrew Rufino M. Villafuerte
1
;
Marvin Jonne L. Mendoza
2
;
Anna Flor G. Malundo
3
;
Josephine Anne C. Lucero
4
;
Analigaya R. Agoncillo
2
;
Michael D. San Juan
2
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
2. Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
3. Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
4. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
HIV;
Philippines;
Neoplasms;
Mass Screening
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2024;58(5):5-9
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objectives:This preliminary study determined the prevalence of HIV infection among patients with newly diagnosed solid and hematologic malignancies at the Philippine General Hospital - Cancer Institute.
Methods:Adult Filipinos aged 19 years and above with biopsy- or imaging-confirmed malignancy and for
chemotherapy, seen at the adult medical oncology and hematology clinic from January to September 2021 were
included. Demographic and clinical data were obtained using a questionnaire. Rapid HIV screening was performed using blood extracted via finger prick. Pre- and post-test counselling were conducted.
Results:Of the 124 patients included in our study, majority were female (91, 73.4%), and 45 years old and above with a median age of 49 (20 – 74). Majority had solid tumors (121, 97.6%) with breast cancer being the most common (67, 54.0%) followed by colorectal (18, 14.5%), and head and neck cancer (14, 11.3%). Among those with hematologic malignancies, two had acute myelogenous leukemia and one had multiple myeloma. Six patients had AIDS-defining malignancies (NHL, cervical cancer). HIV risk factors and associated conditions were present in 18 patients (14.5%). Ten patients reported prior HIV testing. None of the patients tested positive for HIV.
Conclusion:The absence of HIV cases detected in our cohort may be due to the low prevalence of HIV risk factors and associated conditions. At this time, there is insufficient evidence to routinely recommend HIV testing among newlydiagnosed cancer patients. However, physicians are encouraged to offer HIV testing to cancer patients, especially to those with HIV risk factors, given the benefits of early detection and management of HIV.
- Full text:6910-Article Text-106306-2-10-20240321.pdf
