Patient-reported outcomes in clinical trials assessing the effectiveness of cabotegravir + rilpivirine long-acting injections as antiretroviral therapy: A systematic review

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) continues to have ahigh global burden, with approximately 39.9 million people currently livingwith the virus. Despite the clinical success of antiretroviral therapy (ART),adherence remains a significant challenge, often due to emotional distress andHIV-related stigma. Long-acting injectables (LAIs) such as the combination ofcabotegravir (CAB) and rilpivirine (RPV) have emerged as promising alterna-tives, reducing the burden of daily pill regimens.Methods: This systematic review explores the role of CAB + RPV-LA inject-ables in antiretroviral therapy (ART), with a focus on patient-reported out-comes from five key clinical trials.Results: Findings reveal that CAB + RPV-LA maintains high levels of viralsuppression comparable to daily ART while improving patient satisfaction andquality of life. Meta-analysis of HIV Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (HIVTSQc) scores across multiple trials demonstrated consistent positive out-comes, with a mean score of 28.83 out of a possible range from -33 to +33,indicating a substantial improvement in patient satisfaction compared to base-line. Qualitative data highlight the psychological and logistical benefits ofLAIs, including reduced stigma and enhanced treatment convenience.Conclusions: This review underscores the potential of CAB + RPV-LA inimproving patient adherence and satisfaction while offering insights for futurestudies on longer-term outcomes of LAI use.

• Epidemiology and Determinants of Health
  • Determinants of Health
• Determinants of Health
  • Stigma/discrimination
  • Other
• Population(s)
  • General HIV+ population
• Prevention, Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Engagement and Care Cascade
• Engagement and Care Cascade
  • Treatment
• Health Systems
  • Delivery arrangements