(See also Overview of Skin Cancer.)
Kaposi sarcoma originates from endothelial cells in response to infection by human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8). Immunosuppression (particularly by AIDS and drugs for organ transplant recipients) markedly increases the likelihood of Kaposi sarcoma in HHV-8–infected patients. The tumor cells have a spindle shape, resembling smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and myofibroblasts.
Classification
Classic Kaposi sarcoma
This form occurs most often in older (> 60 years) men of Italian, Jewish, or Eastern European ancestry. The course is indolent, and the disease is usually confined to a small number of lesions on the skin of the lower extremities; visceral involvement occurs in < 10%. This form is usually not fatal.
AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma (epidemic Kaposi sarcoma)
This form is the most common AIDS-associated cancer and is more aggressive than classic Kaposi sarcoma. Multiple cutaneous lesions are typically present, often involving the face and trunk. Mucosal, lymph node, and gastrointestinal (GI) involvement is common. Sometimes Kaposi sarcoma is the first manifestation of AIDS.
Endemic Kaposi sarcoma
Iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma (immunosuppressive Kaposi sarcoma)
Symptoms and Signs
Cutaneous lesions are asymptomatic purple, pink, or red macules that may coalesce into blue-violet to black plaques and nodules. Some edema may be present. Occasionally, nodules fungate or penetrate soft tissue and invade bone. Although less common, visceral involvement most often involves the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, and the lungs. Symptoms depend on specific organ involvement. Mucosal lesions appear as bluish to violaceous macules, plaques, and tumors. GI lesions can bleed, sometimes extensively, but usually are asymptomatic.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Kaposi sarcoma is confirmed by punch biopsy.
Patients with AIDS or immunosuppression require evaluation for visceral spread by computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen. If CT is negative but pulmonary or gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are present, bronchoscopy or GI endoscopy should be considered.
Treatment
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Surgical excision, cryotherapy, electrocoagulation, or possibly imiquimod for superficial lesions
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Local radiation therapy and chemotherapy for multiple lesions, diffuse involvement, or lymph node disease
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Antiretroviral therapy or sometimes IV interferon alfa for AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma
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Reduction of immunosuppressants for iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma
Indolent lesions often require no treatment. One or a few superficial lesions can be removed by excision, cryotherapy, or electrocoagulation. Imiquimod has also been reported to be effective. Intralesional vinblastine or interferon alfa is also useful. Multiple lesions, diffuse involvement, and lymph node disease are treated locally with 10 to 20 Gy of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Recurrence is common and it is difficult to obtain a complete cure.
AIDS-associated Kaposi sarcoma responds markedly to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), probably because the CD4+ count improves and the HIV viral load decreases; however, there is some evidence that protease inhibitors in this regimen may block angiogenesis. AIDS patients with indolent disease and CD4+ counts > 150/microL and HIV RNA < 500 copies/mL can be treated with IV interferon alfa. Patients with more extensive or visceral disease can be given liposomal doxorubicin 20 mg/m2 IV every 2 to 3 weeks. If this regimen fails, patients may receive paclitaxel. Other agents being investigated as adjuncts include IL-12, desferrioxamine, and oral retinoids. Treatment of Kaposi sarcoma does not prolong life in most AIDS patients because infections dominate the clinical course.
Iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma responds best to stopping immunosuppressants. In organ transplant patients, reduction of immunosuppressant dosage often results in reduction of Kaposi sarcoma lesions. If dosage reduction is not possible, conventional local and systemic therapies used in other forms of Kaposi sarcoma should be instituted. Sirolimus may also improve iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma.
Endemic Kaposi sarcoma treatment is challenging and typically palliative.
Key Points
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Consider Kaposi sarcoma in older men, Africans, and patients with organ transplants or AIDS.
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Test patients with immunosuppression (including AIDS) for metastases.
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Treat superficial lesions with locally ablative methods.
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Treat multiple lesions, diffuse involvement, or lymph node disease with local radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
| Drug Name | Select Trade |
|---|---|
vinblastine |
No US brand name |
paclitaxel |
TAXOL |
Sirolimus |
RAPAMUNE |
imiquimod |
ALDARA |
