[Local therapy measures in HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma with special reference to fractionation radiotherapy]

Abstract

In 23 patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma 53 tumor lesions were treated with fractioned radiotherapy. Indication for the radiotherapy were mostly cosmetic reasons in stigmatizing tumors, but also in several cases pain, oedema or functional deficits as a result of the tumor lesions. 21 patients received orthovoltage irradiation, the remaining four patients were treated with telecobalt therapy. A complete response was observed in 17%, a partial response in 76% and unchanged lesions in 4%. In two cases (4%), both were treated with telecobalt-therapy by large tumor masses, there occurred a further tumor progression inspite of the radiotherapy. In ten lesions, all with partial remission, we later observed a repeated tumor progression. Important side effects were signs of inflammation as mucositis and edema or hyperpigmentation. The occurrence of acute side effects can be reduced by fractionating of the radiotherapy.