Matters Arising: on the willingness to trade-off years of life for an HIV cure

Abstract This Matters Arising explores the article titled “Willingness to Trade-Off Years of Life for an HIV Cure– An Experimental Exploration of Affective Forecasting,” published in AIDS Research and Therapy in August 2024. We highlight the importance of considering ethical concerns and the inclusion of people with HIV (PWH) in the design of socio-behavioral research focused on HIV cure. While the authors suggest that PWH with lower quality of life may be more willing to trade years of life for a cure, we encourage further reflection on the potential emotional and psychological impacts of such hypothetical scenarios. The term “cure” could be clarified, as it traditionally implies an improvement in quality of life. We also note that future studies would benefit from clearer objectives and terminology that respects the dignity of PWH. We suggest that future research in this area prioritize the lived experiences of PWH and aim for both quality and quantity of life improvements, ensuring that research outcomes are aligned with the real-world needs and perspectives of PWH.