CSP #512 - Options in Management With Anti-Retrovirals

This 'pragmatic' trial is a 2X2 open randomized study of patients in advanced HIV disease who have failed on conventional Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) regimens including all three classes of anti-HIV drugs. The first randomization will allocate patients to an intended 3-month antiretroviral drug-free period (ARDFP) or No ARDFP. The second randomization will allocate patients to Mega-ART (5+ drugs) or to Standard-ART (up to 4 drugs). The total study duration is 6.5 years with 5 years of intake and 1.5 year (minimum) of follow-up; median duration of patient follow-up is about 4 years. The target sample size is 390 patients and will provide 75% power to detect a 30% reduction in the hazard rate for the primary endpoint with mega-ART. Sixty-four sites will be participating in the trial--24 VA, 19 UK and 21 Canada.