Cetuximab/Targeted Chemotherapy in an HIV-Positive Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer in the HAART Era: a Case Report

Abstract

Recent data have shown the efficacy of cetuximab/Folfiri regimen in patients with chemotherapy-resistant metastatic colorectal cancer. In the literature there are no data about this treatment in HIV-positive patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. At the Aviano Cancer Center, we used the cetuximab/Folfiri regimen and concomitant HAART in an HIV-positive patient with metastatic colorectal cancer. The patient experienced acceptable non-hematological toxicity, without any opportunistic infection and his HIV infection was kept under control. This case suggests that, in the HAART era, a multidisciplinary approach can be offered to HIV patients with advanced cancer when they have good performance status, resulting in efficacious control of the HIV infection.

Keywords:

• Colorectal cancer
• HIV
• Folfiri
• cetuximab
• HAART