KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

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

KAPOSI'S SARCOMA

Skin Cancer. Recognition and Management. Schwartz RA, ed. New York, Springer, p. 80-98, 1988.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/89649378
Schwartz RA; UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical Sch., Newark, NJ

Abstract: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is reviewed, with emphasis on cutaneous manifestations of the disease. Topics include: incidence and epidemiology of 'traditional' KS; KS in immunosuppressed non-AIDS patients (pts); KS in AIDS; etiology; cell of origin; clinical spectrum (cutaneous manifestations, possible cutaneous markers, and extracutaneous manifestations); staging; natural history; mortality; opportunistic infections associated with KS; histopathology; laboratory data; differential diagnosis; and treatment (radiotherapy and laser therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy). Traditional KS is a disease of middle-aged and elderly American and European men of Mediterranean or Jewish lineage; there is a focus of KS in the same age and sex grouping in Africa. There is also an increased incidence of KS in iatrogenically immunosuppressed pts over age-matched controls. Despite KS having been described as an integral part of the AIDS syndrome, it is now clear that KS is more prevalent in homosexuals with AIDS than other categories of AIDS pts. An as yet unidentified combination of immunogenic susceptibility, viral induction, and vascular neoplasia are thought to yield KS. Treatment is based on the extent of the disease; the optimal therapy is still to be determined. Radiotherapy may produce therapeutic results with classical nodular KS, but is only palliative in pts with KS and AIDS. The author believes that systemic vinblastine (3.5-10 mg weekly iv, with an occasional intralesional injection of 0.1 mg) is usually best for both the classic KS pt and those with KS and AIDS. The use of alternating vincristine and vinblastine in pts with KS and AIDS also is effective and well-tolerated. If possible, immunosuppressive drugs should be reduced in dose or discontinued before beginning specific therapy for KS. (164 Refs)

Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/COMPLICATIONS Diagnosis, Differential Human Neoplasm Staging Opportunistic Infections/ETIOLOGY/PATHOLOGY Prognosis Sarcoma, Kaposi's/ETIOLOGY/*PATHOLOGY/THERAPY Skin/PATHOLOGY Skin Neoplasms/ETIOLOGY/*PATHOLOGY/THERAPY MONOGRAPH REVIEW, ACADEMIC REVIEW

890228
M8920517

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. .