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. 2023 Jan;62(1):115-119.
doi: 10.1111/ijd.16261. Epub 2022 May 12.

Cutaneous and subcutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions treated with electrochemotherapy

Raquel Lalanda  1 , Joana Bartolo  1 , Sara Carvalhal  1 , Nuno Abecasis  1 , Victor Farricha  1
Affiliations

Cutaneous and subcutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions treated with electrochemotherapy

Raquel Lalanda et al. Int J Dermatol. 2023 Jan.

Abstract

Background and objectives: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor that involves the lymphovascular system, with a tendency to become multifocal. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is considered a valuable treatment option in selected patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous KS lesions.

Methods: We report a retrospective study that included 14 classic and endemic KS patients that underwent ECT sessions for the treatment of KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions at our institution.

Results: According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 criteria, our patients had an overall response rate (ORR) of 100% to the ECT treatment. A complete response (CR) was obtained in 92.8% of patients after one or more ECT sessions. Only one patient had a progressive disease (PD). The treatment was well tolerated with a low complication rate, mainly transitory local pain or skin ulceration.

Conclusions: ECT represents a locoregional therapy for containment and symptomatic control of classic and endemic KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions. Further studies including different subtypes of KS patients should also be performed.

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References

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