Background: HIV-associated immune suppression has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers; this risk maybe higher among Hispanics patients living with HIV (PLWH). The purpose of this study is to better understand the burden of cancer in minority PLWH, particularly those residing in Puerto Rico. Methods: Data from the Puerto Rican Retrovirus Research Center Cohort, matched with the Puerto Rican Cancer and Morality Databases were used to evaluate the cancer burden among Hispanic PLWH between January 1992 to December 2019. Fisher and chi square analysis were conducted to test associations of the neoplasm with gender, HIV risk factors, cancer risk factors anti-retroviral therapies (ART), and death, using SAS 9.4. Results: A total of 4,665 PLWH were evaluated with a mean age at enrollment of 38.43 ± 9.63, 71.60% male, 66.92% were 31-50, 69.52% smoked tobacco, 48.47% consumed alcohol, 48.30% were IV drug users, 28.40% reported men sex with men. At enrollment, 37.45% had a CD4 count < 200 cells (immunological AIDS), 46.23% received ART and 29.71% combination ART (cART). A total of 346 (7.42%) were diagnosed with some type of cancer, where 41.82% were AIDS defining malignancies. [Kaposi's sarcoma: 16.72%, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 15.73%, and Cervical Adenocarcinoma: 9.42%)] and the rest (53.18%) were non-AIDS defining cancers, [prostate (6.69%), lung (4.86%), Hodgkin's Lymphoma (3.94%), Liver (3.34%)]. Cancers were more prevalent in PLWH who are older, with CD4 count < 200, receive CART, and consumed alcohol. Morality in PLWH with cancer (62.4%) was higher than in those without cancer (53.8%). Cancer mortality was more prevalent in cases who were men, who had not received cART at enrollment, those who drink alcohol, or smoked tobacco. Discussion: Gaining an in depth understanding regarding the burden of cancer in minority PLWH is essential in mitigating adverse outcomes. Our findings indicate higher use of cART in PLWH with cancer, in line with the incremental increase of chronic conditions among this population after the availability of ART. There are significant differences in demographic information and risk factors exposure between HIV patients with cancer and those without. We also find that, beside the HIV risk factor, the classical cancer risks are affecting this vulnerable population. Consequently, further studies need to be done to get further information that will help to design tailored prevention strategies directed to PLWH.

Citation Format: Pranav Menon, Angel Mauricio Mayor. Cancer burden in a population of Hispanic cohort of persons living with HIV: 1992-2017 [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: 14th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2021 Oct 6-8. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-241.