The role of chemotherapy for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. NLM AIDSLINE Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1987. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

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The role of chemotherapy for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

Semin Oncol. 1987 Jun;14(2 Suppl 3):23-6. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/87263456
Volberding PA

Abstract: Studies of classic, and especially African, Kaposi's sarcoma in the 1970s showed that both forms of the disease respond to cytotoxic chemotherapy. The agents that had proven effective against these forms of neoplasm were among the first to be tried for managing epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (EKS). Thus far, single-agent regimens using either vinblastine, vincristine, or etoposide have apparently shown the greatest efficacy in AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, with overall response rates of up to nearly 90% in some trials. Various combination regimens have been studied with a view to reducing side effects, particularly immune suppression, while maintaining overall efficacy. Thus far, only an alternating regimen of vinblastine and vincristine shows promise. Despite intrinsic shortcomings, chemotherapy, using cytotoxics alone or in combination with biologic response modifiers and other modalities, will play a role in managing EKS, even as the search for the optimal regimen continues.
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*COMPLICATIONS Antineoplastic Agents/ADVERSE EFFECTS/*THERAPEUTIC USE Antineoplastic Agents, Combined/THERAPEUTIC USE Bleomycins/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Etoposide/THERAPEUTIC USE Human Methotrexate/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Sarcoma, Kaposi's/*DRUG THERAPY/ETIOLOGY Vinblastine/THERAPEUTIC USE Vincristine/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE JOURNAL ARTICLE

KWDacquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome/KWDcomplicationsantineoplasticagents/adverseeffects/KWDtherapeuticuseantineoplasticagents,combined/therapeuticusebleomycins/administration&dosageetoposide/therapeuticusehumanmethotrexate/administration&dosagesarcoma,kaposi's/KWDdrugtherapy/etiologyvinblastine/therapeuticusevincristine/administration&dosagejournalarticle
871030
M87A0329

Copyright © 1987 - National Library of Medicine. Reproduced under license with the National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.

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