Dysregulated cytokine and growth factor expression in OSSN HIV-1 patients from Botswana with multiple infections

Background Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is a conjunctival or corneal neoplastic tumor that is becoming prevalent in HIV-1 infected patients. Prior to the HIV pandemic, OSSN was noted to occur predominantly in the elderly for whom it is the third most common oculoorbital tumor after melanoma and lymphoma. In Africa OSSN is becoming more common, more aggressive, and affects young people, especially females. In parallel with the dramatic increase of HIV in Africa, several countries have noted a sharp rise in the incidence of OSSN in HIV infected individuals such that OSSN is currently the most common ocular tumor among adults. The underlying cause of this cancer in HIV-infected patients from Botswana is not well defined.