The use of paclitaxel and cisplatin in a patient with epithelial ovarian cancer and human immunodeficiency virus

Objective. Several reports exist of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)- positive patients developing epithelial ovarian cancer. The optimal chemotherapeutic regimen has been unclear due to potential immunotoxicity from chemotherapy in these already immunocompromised patients. This is the first report of paclitaxel-based combination chemotherapy in an HIV-positive patient with ovarian cancer. Method. A 39-year-old woman with HIV was diagnosed with poorly differentiated serous carcinoma. She underwent optimal cytoreductive surgery and received six courses of paclitaxel and cisplatin. Results. The patient experienced a complete clinical response to therapy with no adverse effect on surrogate markers for human immunodeficiency virus (CD4 count, β2 microglobulin, neopterin, p24 antigen, and viral load). Conclusion. Paclitaxel- and platinum-based chemotherapy, the standard of care for adjuvant chemotherapy in advanced ovarian carcinoma, is appropriate therapy for ovarian cancer patients with HIV. There is no evidence that the paclitaxel/cisplatin regimen is associated with progression of HIV or increased chemotherapy-associated morbidity.