Antiretroviral therapy.

Abstract

Advances in knowledge of the pathogenesis of HIV infection, coupled with the arrival of new antiviral agents and results from clinical trials, have moved clinicians closer to effective therapy of HIV infection. Despite these advances, many important issues remain unresolved. The precise clinical roles of new agents such as 3TC and the protease inhibitors have yet to be defined. Methods for monitoring efficacy of therapy continue to be developed, and the results of current and planned clinical trials to address the role of three-drug combinations in initial and subsequent treatment regimens are awaited. With the increasing array of available drugs and monitoring assays, clinicians will have an increased ability to provide effective, individualized therapy. Results of upcoming clinical trials must be carefully evaluated with regard to the patient populations studied, duration of follow-up, and statistical methods employed in developing more rational approaches to the care of patients with HIV disease.