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HIV+ with Multiple Myeloma
Apr 25, 2000
What can you tell me about any relationship between hiv and multiple myeloma? I saw an article in POZ that indicated a relationship. My background...positive for 8 years without any meds. At the time of multiple myeloma diagnosis my cd4 was 199 and viral load 4000. Also the protein levels in a blood test appeared normal according to my doctor that should have indicated the cancer. I've suffered from a tumor in my spinal column which was radiated and later surgically removed. I am currently receiving brain radiation for several tumors found and will eventually start chemotherapy. I have started taking zerit/epivir/ziagen. My CD4 was up to 299 after 1 month and viral load up to 10000. Again is there a relationship?
How effective is chemotherapy treatment?
Thanks
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Response from Dr. Feinberg
I am not aware of any direct relationship between HIV and multiple myeloma. MM is a cancer of a certain kind of white blood cell that occurs in middle-aged adults, and most people with HIV are also middle-aged (older than 30). I think your CD4 cell and viral load response may have more to do with the combination you're taking than to the MM. You might want to talk with your HIV doctor about a more aggressive regimen than "3 nukes" (3 nucleoside analogs), such as protease inhibitor or non-nuke-based (like efavirenz) combination.
Since I'm not an oncologist and my information about MM may be out of date, you'd do best to ask the doctor who is treating your MM about the effectiveness of treatment.
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