OVERVIEW OF KAPOSI'S SARCOMA: HISTORY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND BIOMEDICAL FEATURES

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1989. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

OVERVIEW OF KAPOSI'S SARCOMA: HISTORY, EPIDEMIOLOGY, AND BIOMEDICAL FEATURES

Kaposi's Sarcoma: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management. Ziegler JL, Dorfman RF, eds. New York, Marcel Dekker, p. 1-22, 1988.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/89650409
Ziegler JL; Dorfman RF; Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco, CA

Abstract: The history, epidemiology, biologic features, and pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) are reviewed and the implications for therapy are discussed. Topics include: classic KS, KS in Africa, KS and immunodeficiency, KS and AIDS, and the possible role of genetic factors, infectious agent(s), systemic influences, reticuloendothelial disorder, and systemic carcinogen(s) in the pathogenesis of KS. Several features of KS suggest a multifactorial etiology that involves complex interactions among genetic predisposition, immune perturbations, and environmental factors. Perhaps the simplest general explanation for pathogenesis in KS is that an inherited genetic predisposition influences the immune response which, when stimulated, preferentially promotes endothelial hyperplasia. Individuals with this genetically controlled predisposition develop KS only in multifocal endothelial cells that have been 'initiated' previously by virus, carcinogen, or injury. As hyperplasia persists, additional 'promoting' substances may provoke transformation. Alternatively, lack of inhibitory stimuli or alterations in cellular receptors for regulatory substances may play a role in progression. A recent study showed that HIV, hepatitis B virus, and cytomegalovirus are not related directly to the oncogenesis of KS and that this neoplasm contains chromosomal rearrangements that indicate its polyclonal nature. (74 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS Africa Chromosome Aberrations Cross-Sectional Studies DNA, Viral/GENETICS Gene Expression Regulation Human HIV/GENETICS Risk Factors Sarcoma, Kaposi's/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*ETIOLOGY/GENETICS Skin Neoplasms/EPIDEMIOLOGY/*ETIOLOGY/GENETICS MONOGRAPH REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL

890430
M8940679

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Boehringer Ingelheim, Bridgestone/Firestone Charitable Trust, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Elton John AIDS Foundation, Gill Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Quest Diagnostics, Roche and Trimeris, and donations from users like you. Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1989. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1989. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .