The epidemic of Kaposi's sarcoma and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has created a health hazard of major proportions for certain sectors of population. The seriousness and urgency of this problem are based on the following: 1) continuing increase in the number of reported cases and the high mortality rate of 40%; 2) these diseases are appearing beyond the confines of the population - subset originally affected and are manifesting among a cross-section of the general population; and 3) the etiologic agent(s) and the pathogenic mechanisms of these diseases are as yet unidentified, thereby creating alarm and uncertainty. The new epidemic of KS appeard in geographic clusters, as does the classical form, although the affected population is distinctly different. Examination of the available data suggests the involvement of life-style, environment, genetics and infectious agents as well as the common finding of profound immunodeficiency which is unique to the new epidemic. The proposed program has five inter-related aims and is designed to: 1) describe the epidemiology of the AIDS, based on the case-control method of inquiry, in terms of major risk factors and co-factors; 2) determine which of the involved factors best differentiate between the case and control groups; 3) determine, through the screening program with skin testing, the proportion of the population at risk affected by AIDS and identify cases of this syndrome at the early stage; 4) develop a mechanism for enlarging the scope of the screening effort; and 5) identify the factors responsible for progression of AIDS from the silent stage to the more severe manifestations. The overall objective of the project is to utilize case-control method of inquiry and DNCB skin testing for anergy screening to determine the magnitude of the problem of AIDS among population at risk, to identify characteristics which differentiate between cases and control groups and to diagnose cases at early stage of the disease, with an ultimate goal of a better understanding of the factors involved and pathogenic mechanisms of the syndrome and hopefully identification of the etiologic agent.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01CA034822-03
Application #
3172657
Study Section
Epidemiology and Disease Control Subcommittee 3 (EDC)
Project Start
1983-09-30
Project End
1987-02-28
Budget Start
1986-03-01
Budget End
1987-02-28
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
1986
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Memorial Hospital for Cancer & Allied Di
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10021
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Safai, B; Dias, B M; Schwartz, J J et al. (1991) HIV-associated malignancies. Antibiot Chemother 43:69-95
Schwartz, J J; Dias, B M; Safai, B (1991) HIV-related malignancies. Dermatol Clin 9:503-15
Safai, B; Bason, M; Friedman-Birnbaum, R et al. (1990) Interferon in the treatment of AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma: the American experience. J Invest Dermatol 95:166S-169S
Myskowski, P L; Niedzwiecki, D; Shurgot, B A et al. (1988) AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma: variables associated with survival. J Am Acad Dermatol 18:1299-306
Safai, B; Lynfield, R; Lowenthal, D A et al. (1987) Cancers-associated with HIV infection. Anticancer Res 7:1055-67
Safai, B; Lowenthal, D A; Koziner, B (1987) Malignant neoplasms associated with the HTLV-III/LAV infection. Antibiot Chemother 38:80-98