Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS

Abstract

Because Kaposi's sarcoma is a highly visible disease and one readily confirmed histologically, it continues to play an important role in the clinical spectrum of AIDS. At this time, it can not be confirmed whether AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by an initial viral infection, whether the development of an immune deficiency predisposes patients to develop this malignancy, or whether viral or other cofactors may be involved. Evaluation of therapies for AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma is made more difficult by the lack of natural history information. In addition, available drugs are often immunosuppressing and investigators have considerable concern in utilizing these therapies to treat Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer that is intimately associated with immune deficiency. Extensive research continues on single-agent trials of cytotoxic agents as well as immune modulators and antiviral agents. Although considerable progress has been made in the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma, therapeutic decision-making is extremely difficult. It is expected that additional trials and experimental agents will improve our ability to provide effective treatment.