My doctor has stopped all of my HIV drugs (Crixivan, Norvir, Videx, Combivir) as blood test shows high lactic acid. I am on chemotherapy (CHOP) for Lymphoma. I am half way through the chemotherapy regimen. Our concern is with starting new drugs at this point as the chem would impact their effectiveness. What strategy do you recommend? Thanks. Gary

There's pretty good published data in the medical literature indicating that HIV-lymphoma patients do better if they are taking HIV drugs. This is because if the viral load is controlled, then you are both less likely to develop a lymphoma recurrence and less likely to develop an AIDS infection. I would recommend therefore that you re-start HIV medications and have your lactic acid level measured. Although I don't know your HIV history well enough to know what regimen is right for you, I often use the once-a-day regimen of Viread, Epivir, and Sustiva in my HIV patients who are receiving chemotherapy at the same time. This regimen has a low likelihood of lactic acid problems and does not interfere with the chemotherapy. If for whatever reason, you can not go back on HIV regimen, you will still probably do well.