Table 3.

Implications for HIV Cure Research Trials

	Implications for HIV cure research trials
Patient–society	Hope is a salient new theme in HIV cure research. Patient expectations should be accurately assessed, particularly when the goal of research is common scientific knowledge with minimal chance of individual benefit. HIV research trials should identify, empower, and include key populations affected by HIV who have not traditionally been enrolled in HIV research studies, such as PWID. Increasing capacity for psychosocial services, particularly in middle–income countries, is critical in all stages of cure research and will strengthen existing systems.
Patient–health system	Local HIV testing, treatment, and harm reduction capacity should be scaled up in anticipation of increasing numbers of HIV-positive patients seeking care. Supporting methadone clinics and expanding harm reduction services may facilitate engagement in care of PWID and enrollment in cure trials. Discussion of posttrial access to cure and financial costs for key affected populations should begin early and engage international stakeholders.
Patient–physician	HIV-associated stigma within the medical profession should be systematically addressed in settings where it is prevalent, with emphasis on maintaining confidentiality to preserve physician–patient trust. HIV specialists are important patient advocates and decision makers, particularly in local settings without primary care-based health systems, and should be considered key stakeholders in cure research and trial design.