Non-human immunodeficiency virus Kaposi's sarcoma can be effectively treated with low-dose interferon-alpha despite the persistence of herpesvirus-8.

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

Non-human immunodeficiency virus Kaposi's sarcoma can be effectively treated with low-dose interferon-alpha despite the persistence of herpesvirus-8.

Br J Dermatol. 1998 Dec;139(6):1052-4. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE MED/99144182
Deichmann M; Thome M; Jackel A; Utermann S; Bock M; Waldmann V; Naher H; Department of Dermatology, Universitatsklinikum Heidelberg,; Germany.

Abstract: Three patients, negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with histologically and polymerase chain reaction-proven non-HIV Kaposi's sarcoma who received low-dose interferon (IFN) as first-line treatment because of disseminated symptomatic disease are reported. Applying 3-18 million IU of IFN-alpha 2a per day, 3 days a week, subcutaneously for 8-20 months, major responses were achieved in all three cases. Tumour regression was observed within 4 months and has continued for 57 and 18 months to date (cases 1 and 2, respectively). Influenza-like symptoms, including fever, headaches and fatigue, were mild side-effects. However, in the third patient interferon injections had to be stopped because of hepatic enzyme elevation. Including this case report, 27 non-HIV Kaposi's sarcoma patients subcutaneously treated with IFN-alpha have been reported in literature. Most therapy regimens included 3-18 million IU IFN-alpha per day for 3 days a week. Twenty of 27 patients, or 74%, responded to therapy, whereas seven patients or 26% had stable or progressive disease. Relapse after IFN withdrawal can occur but is frequently delayed and limited, as in case 1. Following the response to IFN treatment, human herpesvirus-8 DNA was detected in the blood mononuclear cells of all three patients, possibly contributing to future relapses.

Keywords: JOURNAL ARTICLE Antineoplastic Agents/*ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Antiviral Agents/*ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Chronic Disease Herpesvirus, Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated/ISOLATION & PURIF Human Interferon Alfa-2a/*ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Male Middle Age Sarcoma, Kaposi/*DRUG THERAPY/VIROLOGY Skin Neoplasms/*DRUG THERAPY/VIROLOGY Treatment Outcome
990530
A9950972

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