Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
|
|
 |  |
 |
 |
Structured Treatment Interruption for post-Lymphoma patient?
Sep 15, 2002
In 1998 I was diagnosed with a Stage I Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. I underwent 4 cycles of CHOP, followed by 20 radiation treatments. I've been in remission ever since. I have had no other opportunistic infections. My Viral Load is about 40, and CD4 is 550.
I've been HIV+ since 1985, and have been on several drug regimins. Presently Viracept, Rescriptor, Ziagen, and Epivir.
The present treatment has lead to facial wasting, chronic diahhrea, and some fatigue. I'm interested in trying a Structured Treatment Interruption. What do you think?
|
 |
|
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Dezube
You are asking an excellent and difficult question. Although I will answer it, I need you to understand that there is NO data on which to base my answer. I'm just telling you what I would recommend were you to be my patient.
Your HIV parameters are pretty good. You viral load of 40 is low and your CD4 count is robust. You are having side effects from the HIV drugs so I can understand the rationale for your request of a structured treatment interruption (STI).
HOWEVER, the bottom line is that you had a life-threatening cancer (lymphoma). Your absolute best assurance on keeping the lymphoma away is to continue to take HIV drugs. I simply would not recommend you stopping your HIV drugs. Should your lymphoma come back, it would be more difficult to deal with the recurrence, than the original lymphoma. In my opinion, an STI in your case would be akin to playing with fire.
So what would I recommend? You are on a very complicated HIV regimen including viracept, rescriptor, ziagen and epivir. It's hard for me to make a specific recommendation in terms of HIV drugs without knowing your viral resistance pattern and without knowing what others drugs you've been on. That said, I would highly recommend that you sit down with your HIV doctor and see if there is an easier and more tolerable regimen which you could take. This is what I do often with my own patients. After their lymphoma is "history", I try to simplify their HIV regimens, particularly if they are having the side effects which you describe.
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions! |
|
|
 Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
Copyright notice.
|
|
Advertisement
|
|
E-Mail
Glossary
