Trial Information

HIV Infection and Tobacco Use Among Injection Drug Users in Baltimore, MD: A Pilot Study of Biomarkers

Lung cancer incidence is substantially elevated among people infected with human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Although frequent smoking may partly explain this increase,
recent work suggests other factors may also be involved. To better characterize smoking
habits and lung cancer risk in HIV-infected people, the investigators propose a
cross-sectional pilot study of HIV-infected and uninfected injection drug users in the ALIVE
cohort in Baltimore, Maryland. A detailed questionnaire on smoking behaviors and other lung
cancer risk factors will be administered to all ~ 1600 cohort subjects. In addition, the
investigators will measure serum cotinine (a marker of recent smoking intensity) for a
sample of 340 African American males from the cohort, stratified on the amount of cigarette
use, HIV status, and CD4 count. Spirometry will be performed on the entire group of 1600
subjects, to assess for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Differences between
HIV-infected and uninfected subjects in smoking habits, exposure to tobacco, or lung damage
will identify areas for future investigation.