Report from the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections

Report from the 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections

Our physician-editors weigh in on the most clinically relevant findings from the meeting.

The 16th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections took place this year in Montreal, marking the first time the conference has been held outside the U.S. Although known for its bitterly cold winter weather, the city turned out to be an excellent place to hold the conference, with a convenient warren of tunnels connecting many local hotels to the convention center — the Palais des Congrès de Montréal. During the opening session, John Mellors stated that next year’s conference will take place February 16–20 in San Francisco — although, as is often the case, this date is not yet posted on the conference website.

Studies on HIV treatment strategies, pathogenesis, prevention, and non–AIDS-related complications accounted for the bulk of the presented data, with the continuation of a trend from prior years toward more papers from developing countries. Notably absent were major phase III or IV studies of existing drugs in treatment-naive patients, and little information was presented on drugs in development.

Below are summaries of selected presentations and posters that are likely to have the greatest effect on clinical practice. All abstracts and webcasts are available free of charge at the conference website.

No Clinical Benefit from Adding IL-2 to ART

Timing of ART Initiation — Still No Definitive Answers

SWITCHMRK: An Avoidable Raltegravir Disaster

Concomitant HIV/TB Treatment Improves Survival

When Should ART Be Initiated in Patients with OIs?

Treatment Is Preventive, but Some Risk Remains

Continued Concern About Abacavir and Cardiovascular Risk

Lopinavir/r Is Superior to Nevirapine in Women Who Previously Received Single-Dose Nevirapine

Investigational Pharmacologic Boosters

First (Sort of) Positive Anti-HIV Microbicide Trial

— Paul E. Sax, MD

Published in Journal Watch HIV/AIDS Clinical Care March 9, 2009

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