Successful use of anti-retroviral therapy in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy for persistent molar pregnancy: A case report

Abstract

Due to the HIV pandemic, the chances of finding gynecological malignancies in HIV-infected women are increased. This poses management and ethical dilemmas as the treatment for such malignancies are likely to further decrease their immunity. Gestational trophoblastic disease occurs predominantly among young women and has excellent response to chemotherapy. However, such therapy is not possible if their immunity (CD4 counts) is markedly depressed. The patient described presented with persistent molar pregnancy and had low CD 4 count. She was given antiretroviral therapy and once the CD 4 count had risen to acceptable levels cytotoxic chemotherapy was administered. She received a total of 13 cycles of chemotherapy with no significant untoward effects. After a 6-month follow-up period the patient was well with a negative serum βHCG level and CD4 count above 200. We conclude that HIV-infected women with gestational trophoblastic disease may be safely treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy provided antiretroviral therapy is concurrently administered to boost immunity.