Kaposi's sarcoma with a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Its association in a male homosexual with human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III infection.

Combined tumor syndromes, specifically reticuloendothelial malignancies and Kaposi's sarcoma, have long been recognized. With the recognition of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), several patients with concurrent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Kaposi's sarcoma have been reported at high risk for developing AIDS. The present Centers for Disease Control definition of AIDS excludes these patients on the assumption that one tumor is affecting the cellular immunity, allowing for the development of the second malignancy. In evaluating such a patient who had serologic evidence of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type III infection, the probable cause of AIDS, we have reviewed reports of patients with similar concurrent malignancies before and since the onset of the AIDS epidemic. We conclude that patients in high-risk groups for AIDS who develop similar combined tumor syndromes should be classified as having AIDS.