Kaposi's sarcoma medical therapy
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Kaposi's sarcoma Microchapters |
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Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
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Case Studies |
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Kaposi's sarcoma medical therapy On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Kaposi's sarcoma medical therapy |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Kaposi's sarcoma medical therapy |
Overview
General Treatment
Kaposi's sarcoma is not curable, in the usual sense of the word, but it can often be effectively palliated for many years and this is the aim of treatment. In KS associated with immunodeficiency or immunosuppression, treating the cause of the immune system dysfunction can slow or stop the progression of KS. In 40% or more of patients with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma, the Kaposi lesions will shrink upon first starting highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). However, in a certain percentage of such patients, Kaposi's sarcoma may again grow after a number of years on HAART, especially if HIV is not completely suppressed. Patients with a few local lesions can often be treated with local measures such as radiation therapy or cryotherapy. Surgery is generally not recommended as Kaposi's sarcoma can appear in wound edges. More widespread disease, or disease affecting internal organs, is generally treated with systemic therapy with interferon alpha, liposomal anthracyclines (such as Doxil) or paclitaxel.