Length of human immunodeficiency virus disease and not immune status is a risk factor for development of anal carcinoma

Background The anal epithelium is subject to dysplastic change in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We sought to determine if the duration of HIV disease or the patient’s immune status were associated with the development of anal carcinoma. Methods HIV-positive patients diagnosed with anal neoplasms were reviewed. Statistical analysis was performed via an unpaired Student t test and the Fisher exact test. Results Fourteen patients were identified, 7 with anal intraepithelial neoplasms (group 1) and 7 with anal carcinoma (group 2). Human papillomavirus was detected in 100% of patients in group 1 and in 67% of patients in group 2. There was no significant difference in the level of immunosuppression as assessed by the CD4 counts (266.9 ± 48.5 vs. 274.7 ± 92.0 cell/cμl; P = .94) and viral loads (19,243 ± 18,034 vs. 67,140 ± 39,570 RNA/mL; P = .29) between groups 1 and 2, respectively. Group 2 had been HIV positive for a significantly longer period of time (12.6 ± 2.3 y) compared with group 1 (5.9 ± 2.0 y, P = .05). Conclusions The most significant factor for the development of invasive anal carcinoma in patients with HIV is duration of disease. As a result of improved long-term survival secondary to new HIV therapy, anal invasive carcinoma will become an increasing problem.