Purpose of review: There have been relatively few studies of HIV-related malignancies in Brazil. Universal access to antiretroviral drugs in Brazil has changed both the mortality and morbidity rates of AIDS. Nevertheless, there is also extreme poverty in both urban and rural areas and complications of prolonged immune suppression such as mycobacterial and malignant diseases have put a significant strain on the country's healthcare system. This brief review outlines the existing data regarding AIDS related malignancies in the largest Latin American country.
Recent findings: Currently, there are almost 600 000 people infected with HIV in Brazil and 170,000 patients are receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy. In the studies done of HIV malignancies in Brazil, it appears that these tumors are histologically similar to those that occur in other equatorial countries and differ somewhat from those seen in Europe and the US. Another unique distinction is the high association with oncogenic herpes viruses.
Summary: The existence of federally sponsored highly active antiretroviral therapy, clinicians and healthcare providers experienced in the care of HIV patients and high incidence of malignancies associated with oncogenic viruses make Brazil an important site for clinical and basic research in AIDS and immunodeficiency related malignancies.