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Kaposi Sarcoma

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare type of cancer that can affect both the skin and internal organs. The most common symptoms are red or purple patches on the skin. It is caused by the human herpes virus 8 (HHV8). Most people with HHV8 don't develop KS; it mostly develops in people with weakened immune systems. KS is classified into:

• AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma
• Endemic African Kaposi sarcoma (widespread common cancer in parts of Africa with high levels of HIV)
• Classic Kaposi sarcoma (Non-AIDS-related KS. This is rare, mostly affecting middle-aged and elderly men of Mediterranean or Ashkenazi Jewish descent)
• Transplant-related Kaposi sarcoma (an uncommon side effect when the immune system is weakened after a transplant)

Information for Patients and the Public

Information for Health Professionals / Researchers

Latest Research Publications

AIDS-related Cancers

Information Patients and the Public (6 links)

 Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment

National Cancer Institute
PDQ summaries are written and frequently updated by editorial boards of experts Further info.


 Kaposi's sarcoma

Macmillan Cancer Support
Content is developed by a team of information development nurses and content editors, and reviewed by health professionals. Further info.


 Kaposi's sarcoma

NHS Choices
NHS Choices information is quality assured by experts and content is reviewed at least every 2 years. Further info.


 Sarcoma - Kaposi

Cancer.Net
Content is peer reviewed and Cancer.Net has an Editorial Board of experts and advocates. Content is reviewed annually or as needed. Further info.


 Kaposi Sarcoma

American Cancer Society
Detailed guide.

 Kaposi Sarcoma

Dermnet NZ
Article covering causes, presentation (with pictures), diagnosis, staging and treatment.

Information for Health Professionals / Researchers (6 links)

• PubMed search for publications about Kaposi Sarcoma - Limit search to: [Reviews]

  PubMed Central search for free-access publications about Kaposi Sarcoma
  MeSH term: Sarcoma, Kaposi
  US National Library of Medicine
  PubMed has over 22 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Constantly updated.

 Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment

National Cancer Institute
PDQ summaries are written and frequently updated by editorial boards of experts Further info.


  KSHV Infection & the Biology of Kaposi's Sarcoma


Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Lecture by Donald E. Ganem, University of California, San Francisco. (2010)

 Kaposi's Sarcoma

DermIS
Includes images of Kaposi's Sarcoma skin lesions. DermIS.net is a dermatology information service (multilingual support; English, German, Spanish, French and other languages). It is a collaboration between two German Universities (Heidelberg and Erlangen).

 Kaposi's Sarcoma

Patient UK
Detailed referenced article.

Latest Research Publications

This list of publications is regularly updated (Source: PubMed).

Yang H, Lu QL, Wu XJ, et al.
Association of genetic variations in miR-146a rs2910164 and miR-149 rs11614913 with the development of classic Kaposi sarcoma.
Genet Mol Res. 2016; 15(4) [PubMed] Related Publications

Classic Kaposi sarcoma is a type of vascular proliferative inflammatory disease. Previous studies have reported significant associations between microRNAs expression and the development of classic Kaposi sarcoma. Here, we conducted a case-control study to investigate the association between miR-146a and miR-149 genetic polymorphisms and risk of classic Kaposi sarcoma in a Chinese population. Both classic Kaposi sarcoma patients and healthy controls were recruited between December 2013 and October 2015. Genotyping of miR-146a and miR-149 was performed by polymerase chain reaction-coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results showed that the GG genotype of miR-146a was associated with increased risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma (OR = 6.00, 95%CI = 1.19-30.12), as compared with the CC genotype. In the recessive model, we found that the GG genotype carried a 4.55-fold increased risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma as compared with the CC + CG genotype (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.04-20.29). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that miR-146a, but not miR-149 polymorphism, is associated with risk to classic Kaposi sarcoma in the Chinese population.

Related: MicroRNAs

Tsao MN, Sinclair E, Assaad D, et al.
Radiation therapy for the treatment of skin Kaposi sarcoma.
Ann Palliat Med. 2016; 5(4):298-302 [PubMed] Related Publications

OBJECTIVE: Kaposi sarcoma (KS) lesions are purplish, reddish blue or dark brown/black macules, plaques or nodules which involve the skin and occasionally internal organs. Most patients with KS have a long indolent chronic course.
METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken for all KS skin patients treated with radiotherapy at a tertiary cancer centre from Jan. 2, 1999 to Dec. 31, 2014 (inclusive).
RESULTS: A total of 47 patients with KS (43 classical, 0 African, 1 iatrogenic, 3 AIDS related) were seen in the multidisciplinary clinic. Out of this group, 17 patients (5 females and 12 males, 14 classical, 0 African, 0 iatrogenic, 3 AIDS related) with 97 KS skin sites were treated with local external beam radiotherapy. An additional 18 skin sites were treated with repeat radiotherapy. The radiotherapy dose ranged from 6 Gy in 1 fraction to 30 Gy in 10 fractions with the most common dose fractionation scheme being 8 Gy in 1 fraction or 20 Gy in 5 daily fractions. For the previously untreated KS sites, 87% responded to radiation [30% complete response (CR) and 57% partial response (PR)]. Thirteen percent of KS sites treated with radiation progressed. For the skin sites which were treated with repeat radiotherapy, 0% showed CRs, 50% PRs and 50% had continued progression.
CONCLUSIONS: The majority of KS skin lesions (87%) responded to radiotherapy. Patients experience minimal side effects from the palliative radiation regimens used. KS skin lesions which progress despite radiation are unlikely to show CR with repeat radiotherapy. In our experience 50% of skin KS will have partial regression with repeat radiotherapy and 50% will have continued progression.

Related: Skin Cancer

Lee S, Jang J, Jeon H, et al.
Latent Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus infection in bladder cancer cells promotes drug resistance by reducing reactive oxygen species.
J Microbiol. 2016; 54(11):782-788 [PubMed] Related Publications

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is the major etiologic agent of Kaposi's sarcoma, primary effusion lymphoma, and multicentric Castleman's disease. Recent studies have indicated that KSHV can be detected at high frequency in patient-derived bladder cancer tissue and might be associated with the pathogenesis of bladder cancer. Bladder cancer is the second most common cancer of the genitourinary tract, and it has a high rate of recurrence. Because drug resistance is closely related to chemotherapy failure and cancer recurrence, we investigated whether KSHV infection is associated with drug resistance of bladder cancer cells. Some KSHV-infected bladder cancer cell lines showed resistance to an anti-cancer drug, cisplatin, possibly as a result of down-regulation of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, drug resistance acquired from KSHV infection could partly be overcome by HDAC1 inhibitors. Taken together, the data suggest the possible role of KSHV in chemo-resistant bladder cancer, and indicate the therapeutic potential of HDAC1 inhibitors in drug-resistant bladder cancers associated with KSHV infection.

Related: Cisplatin Bladder Cancer Bladder Cancer - Molecular Biology

Urbanowicz M, Kutzner H, Riveiro-Falkenbach E, Rodriguez-Peralto JL
Infectious Angiogenesis-Different Pathways, the Same Goal.
Am J Dermatopathol. 2016; 38(11):793-801 [PubMed] Related Publications

Infectious angiogenesis is the biological response of neoangiogenesis induced by infectious organisms. The authors present 3 exemplary entities which show paradigmatic clinico-pathological settings of infectious angiogenesis: Bacillary angiomatosis, Orf (ecthyma contagiosum), and Kaposi sarcoma. The authors review the literature and elucidate etiopathogenetic pathways leading to the phenomenon of neovascularization stimulated by infectious organisms. The authors describe the clinical and histological pictures, interactions between microorganisms and host cells, and changes that occur within cellular structures, as well as angiogenic factors that underpin infectious angiogenesis. The importance of chronic inflammation and tumor angiogenesis is emphasized.

Related: Angiogenesis and Cancer Skin Cancer

Croteau SE, Gupta D
The clinical spectrum of kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and tufted angioma.
Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2016; 35(3):147-52 [PubMed] Related Publications

Kasposiform hemoangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA) are classifed as vascular tumors with locally aggressive and benign growth potential, respectively, within the classification schema proposed by the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies. A unique feature of these vascular tumors is the risk of Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a severe thrombocytopenia with mild to moderate coagulopathy resulting from intralesional platelet trapping. As with many vascular anomalies, accurate description of clinical course, responses to therapy, and long-term outcomes have been hindered by lesion misidentification, imprecise nomenclature, and lack of prospective, randomized clinical trials to assess therapeutic efficacy. The classic dermatologic features of these lesions can facilitate diagnosis for the astute provider; however, the absence of or unusual integumentary involvement or presentation in a less common age group (adolescents/adults) poses a diagnostic challenge. Current approaches to the management of KHE/TA are often informed by lesion features such as presence of KMP, extent and location of the tumor, and symptomatology. Evidence-based treatment guidelines are limited. Corticosteroids, vincristine, interferon, multi-agent regimens and newer therapies, such as sirolimus, have demonstrated efficacy in patient series. The use of surgical excision and interventional radiology guided therapies have been described with mixed clinical benefit. Collaboration among emerging vascular anomaly centers and an increasing number of providers across subspecialties with interest in this field are facilitating the development of standardized approaches to diagnosis and management. The rarity of KHE-spectrum lesions and the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations necessitate rationally designed, multisite clinical trials to investigate risk stratification schemas and formally evaluate the short and long-term efficacy of available and novel therapies.

Related: Skin Cancer

Karouni M, Kurban M, Abbas O
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells in skin lesions of classic Kaposi's sarcoma.
Arch Dermatol Res. 2016; 308(7):487-92 [PubMed] Related Publications

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the most potent producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which allows them to provide anti-viral resistance and to link the innate and adaptive immunity by controlling the function of myeloid DCs, lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. pDCs are involved in the pathogenesis of several infectious [especially viral, such as Molluscum contagiosum (MC)], inflammatory/autoimmune, and neoplastic entities. Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multifocal, systemic lympho-angioproliferative tumor associated with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection. Microscopy typically exhibits a chronic inflammatory lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate in addition to the vascular changes and spindle cell proliferation. Despite the extensive research done on the immune evasion strategies employed by KSHV, pDCs role in relation to KS has only rarely been investigated. Given this, we intend to investigate pDC occurrence and activity in the skin lesions of KS. Immunohistochemical staining for BDCA-2 (specific pDC marker) and MxA (surrogate marker for local type I IFN production) was performed on classic KS (n = 20) with the control group comprising inflamed MC (n = 20). As expected, BDCA-2+ pDCs were present in abundance with diffuse and intense MxA expression (indicative of local type I IFN production) in all inflamed MC cases (20 of 20, 100 %). Though present in all the KS cases, pDCs were significantly less abundant in KS than in inflamed MC cases, and MxA expression was patchy/weak in most KS cases. In summary, pDCs are part of the inflammatory host response in KS; however, they were generally low in number with decreased type I IFN production which is probably related to KSHV's ability to evade the immune system through the production of different viral proteins capable of suppressing IFN production as well as pDC function.

Related: Skin Cancer

Wong BL, Lee VN, Tikka T, et al.
Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma of the head and neck.
Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2016; 104:156-68 [PubMed] Related Publications

BACKGROUND: Kaposiform haemangioendothelioma (KHE) is a tumor of intermediate malignant potential derived from vascular endothelial cells. Due to rarity of head neck KHE (HN-KHE) this comprehensive review aims to compile, analyze and present details to develop a consensus and augment available literature on HN-KHE.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was performed on PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and Science Citation Index for HN-KHE using MeSH words. Statistical analysis was performed using a variety of tests.
RESULTS: Common sites of involvement were neck 41.5%, face and scalp 32.0% and tympanomastoid region in 13.2% patients. Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon was seen in 58.5% patients. Surgical excision was performed in 37.7% patients while 39.6% patients underwent medical management/chemotherapy (CT). Significantly better disease free survival (DFS) was seen in patients undergoing surgical excision vs. CT (p=0.001), without recurrence vs. with recurrence (p=0.001) and those presenting within 0-1year of life vs. 1-5 years (p=0.021).
CONCLUSION: Recurrence and metastasis were seen in 35.8% and 20.0% patients respectively. Complete surgical excision with clear margins remains the treatment of choice.

Related: Head and Neck Cancers Head and Neck Cancers - Molecular Biology

Manciuc C, Filip-Ciubotaru F, Badescu A, et al.
THE PATIENT-DOCTOR-PSYCHOLOGIST TRIANGLE IN A CASE Of SEVERE IMUNOSUPRESSION IN THE HIV INFECTION.
Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2016 Jan-Mar; 120(1):119-23 [PubMed] Related Publications

In the last two years the Romanian adult population infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has increased due to sexual transmission, both heterosexual and homosexual. The case presented is that of a 33 year-old man, admitted to the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Iasi with acute respiratory failure and a confirmation of Kaposi's sarcoma. Tests later proved positive for HIV, the patient being included in the stage AIDS C3 (acute immunodeficiency syndrome). The respiratory failure was suspected to be caused by Pneumocystis carinii and cotrimoxazol therapy, oxygen therapy and anti-retroviral therapy were established. He was also referred to the oncology hospital for treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma. The patient's adherence to therapy was influenced by a strong doctor-patient relationship, as well as by psychological counseling and support. Creating a functional doctor-patient-psychologist team is key throughout the HIV-positive patient's existence, for supporting long term adherence to therapy and acceptance of the diagnosis. This case highlights the need for a strong psychosocial compartment in every medical center that deals with HIV-infected individuals.

Related: Skin Cancer

Kato H, Yanagisawa N, Morioka H, et al.
Laryngeal Kaposi's Sarcoma Complicated by the Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in an HIV-infected Patient.
Intern Med. 2016; 55(8):1001-5 [PubMed] Related Publications

We herein report a case of laryngeal Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) complicated by immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patient. The patient initially presented with KS involving the larynx, which was successfully treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and antiretroviral therapy (ART). PLD was discontinued after 2 courses because of a marked clinical improvement; however, the patient experienced progressive odynophagia and dyspnea 2 months after the initiation of ART. Laryngoscopy revealed a severely swollen, inflamed epiglottis. The readministration of PLD was successful, and the patient was thereafter discharged without any subsequent complications.

Related: Doxorubicin Cancer of the Larynx Laryngeal Cancer - Molecular Biology Liposomal Doxorubicin

El-Mallawany NK, Kamiyango W, Slone JS, et al.
Clinical Factors Associated with Long-Term Complete Remission versus Poor Response to Chemotherapy in HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents with Kaposi Sarcoma Receiving Bleomycin and Vincristine: A Retrospective Observational Study.
PLoS One. 2016; 11(4):e0153335 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is the most common HIV-associated malignancy in children and adolescents in Africa. Pediatric KS is distinct from adult disease. We evaluated the clinical characteristics associated with long-term outcomes. We performed a retrospective observational analysis of 70 HIV-infected children and adolescents with KS less than 18 years of age diagnosed between 8/2010 and 6/2013 in Lilongwe, Malawi. Local first-line treatment included bleomycin and vincristine plus nevirapine-based highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Median age was 8.6 years (range 1.7-17.9); there were 35 females (50%). Most common sites of presentation were: lymph node (74%), skin (59%), subcutaneous nodules (33%), oral (27%), woody edema (24%), and visceral (16%). Eighteen (26%) presented with lymphadenopathy only. Severe CD4 suppression occurred in 28%. At time of KS diagnosis, 49% were already on HAART. Overall, 28% presented with a platelet count < 100 x 109/L and 37% with hemoglobin < 8 g/dL. The 2-year event-free (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 46% and 58% respectively (median follow-up 29 months, range 15-50). Multivariable analysis of risk of death and failure to achieve EFS demonstrated that visceral disease (odds ratios [OR] 19.08 and 11.61, 95% CI 2.22-163.90 and 1.60-83.95 respectively) and presenting with more than 20 skin/oral lesions (OR 9.57 and 22.90, 95% CI 1.01-90.99 and 1.00-524.13 respectively) were independent risk factors for both. Woody edema was associated with failure to achieve EFS (OR 7.80, 95% CI 1.84-33.08) but not death. Univariable analysis revealed that lymph node involvement was favorable for EFS (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.08-0.99), while T1 TIS staging criteria, presence of cytopenias, and severe immune suppression were not associated with increased mortality. Long-term complete remission is achievable in pediatric KS, however outcomes vary according to clinical presentation. Based on clinical heterogeneity, treatment according to risk-stratification is necessary to improve overall outcomes.

Related: Bleomycin Vincristine

Heyrman B, De Becker A, Schots R
A case report of immunosuppression-related Kaposi's sarcoma after autologous stem cell transplantation.
BMC Res Notes. 2016; 9:188 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications

BACKGROUND: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a tumor formed by angioproliferations driven by Human herpes virus 8 also known as Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV). It is best known as an acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defining illness that may be fatal. There are only a few reports of KS after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This is the first case describing the disappearance of KS with immune recovery after autologous HCT.
CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 61-year-old male heterosexual patient of Moroccan origin treated for primary mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Because of refractory disease he received multiple lines of chemotherapy prior to autologous HCT. After the second course of low-dose bis-chloroethylnitrosourea, etoposide, cytarabine, melphalan (BEAM) the patient developed several round blue skin lesions. A biopsy was performed, showing many small vessels and positive immune histochemical staining for Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), confirming diagnosis of KS. Human immunodeficiency virus testing was negative and work-up showed that there were no visceral lesions. When KS are limited to the skin, prognosis is usually better. The extensive chemotherapy resulted in an important immunosuppression; on day 105 after autologous HCT CD4(+) count was 82/mm(3). Since KS were limited to the skin and attributed to severe immune suppression a watchful waiting strategy was adopted even though in the first months after autologous HCT new skin lesions appeared. With immune recovery (CD4(+) count > 200/mm(3)) 277 days after transplant, skin lesions faded.
CONCLUSION: Kaposi's sarcoma remains a rare tumor that should be thought of in any patient whose immunity is down. If immune recovery is expected and disease is limited to the skin, a watchful waiting strategy can be more rewarding than intensive chemotherapy.

Related: Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants

Mohan P, Yuvaraj A, Abraham G, et al.
Occurrence of double primary malignancies in an African renal transplant recipient.
Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2016; 27(2):377-80 [PubMed] Related Publications

A 63-year-old African male with end stage renal disease who received a renal transplantation from his daughter after successful treatment of hepatitis C virus, type 1 genotype developed metastatic Kaposi's sarcoma and subsequently adenocarcinoma of the prostate. He was successfully treated with chemotherapy and reduction of immunosuppression and switch over to rapamycin.

Related: Prostate Cancer Skin Cancer

Jain V, Plaisance-Bonstaff K, Sangani R, et al.
A Toolbox for Herpesvirus miRNA Research: Construction of a Complete Set of KSHV miRNA Deletion Mutants.
Viruses. 2016; 8(2) [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications

Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes 12 viral microRNAs (miRNAs) that are expressed during latency. Research into KSHV miRNA function has suffered from a lack of genetic systems to study viral miRNA mutations in the context of the viral genome. We used the Escherichia coli Red recombination system together with a new bacmid background, BAC16, to create mutants for all known KSHV miRNAs. The specific miRNA deletions or mutations and the integrity of the bacmids have been strictly quality controlled using PCR, restriction digestion, and sequencing. In addition, stable viral producer cell lines based on iSLK cells have been created for wildtype KSHV, for 12 individual miRNA knock-out mutants (ΔmiR-K12-1 through -12), and for mutants deleted for 10 of 12 (ΔmiR-cluster) or all 12 miRNAs (ΔmiR-all). NGS, in combination with SureSelect technology, was employed to sequence the entire latent genome within all producer cell lines. qPCR assays were used to verify the expression of the remaining viral miRNAs in a subset of mutants. Induction of the lytic cycle leads to efficient production of progeny viruses that have been used to infect endothelial cells. Wt BAC16 and miR mutant iSLK producer cell lines are now available to the research community.

Related: MicroRNAs

Hacioglu MB, Sahin S, Karatas F, Aytekin A
A rare coexistence--Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and Kaposi sarcoma: Case report and review of the literature.
J Cancer Res Ther. 2015 Oct-Dec; 11(4):954-6 [PubMed] Related Publications

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia worldwide. Skin lesions associated with CLL mostly develop on the bases of infectious or a hemorrhagic origin with an estimated incidence of 25% of all the cases. Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-associated with human herpes virus-8 infection is a spindle-cell, malignant, low-grade tumor originating from vascular and lymphatic endothelium. KS mostly presents with skin lesions as the initial presentation. The relation between these two pathologies has not yet been clarified up to date. Herein, we report a case of KS along with CLL to illustrate the possible relation between these two pathologies.

Related: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) CLL - Molecular Biology Skin Cancer

Dai L, Qiao J, Nguyen D, et al.
Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the pathogenesis and tumorigenicity of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.
Oncotarget. 2016; 7(9):10459-71 [PubMed] Free Access to Full Article Related Publications

Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) is the etiologic agent of several malignancies, including Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS), which preferentially arise in immunocompromised patients such as HIV+ subpopulation and lack effective therapeutic options. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been reported as an important regulator of endothelial cell cycle control, proliferation and angiogenesis. HO-1 has also been found to be highly expressed in KSHV-infected endothelial cells and oral AIDS-KS lesions. We previously demonstrate that the multifunctional glycoprotein CD147 is required for KSHV/LANA-induced endothelial cell invasiveness. During the identification of CD147 controlled downstream genes by microarray analysis, we found that the expression of HO-1 is significantly elevated in both CD147-overexpressing and KSHV-infected HUVEC cells when compared to control cells. In the current study, we further identify the regulation of HO-1 expression and mediated cellular functions by both CD147 and KSHV-encoded LANA proteins. Targeting HO-1 by either RNAi or the chemical inhibitor, SnPP, effectively induces cell death of KSHV-infected endothelial cells (the major cellular components of KS) through DNA damage and necrosis process. By using a KS-like nude mouse model, we found that SnPP treatment significantly suppressed KSHV-induced tumorigenesis in vivo. Taken together, our data demonstrate the important role of HO-1 in the pathogenesis and tumorigenesis of KSHV-infected endothelial cells, the underlying regulatory mechanisms for HO-1 expression and targeting HO-1 may represent a promising therapeutic strategy against KSHV-related malignancies.

Related: Apoptosis

Epelbaum O, Go R, Patel G, Braman S
Pulmonary Kaposi's Sarcoma and Its Complications in the HAART Era: A Contemporary Case-Based Review.
Lung. 2016; 194(1):163-9 [PubMed] Related Publications

The early years of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic introduced the global medical community to Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), a heretofore seldom encountered angiosarcomatous neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8. At that time, clinicians treating these KS patients were routinely exposed to the pulmonary manifestations of this malignancy, including characteristic airway lesions, peribronchovascular opacities, and the typically hemorrhagic pleural effusions. They also witnessed uncommon complications of pulmonary KS such as chylous effusions, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, and immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. Since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy, the incidence of KS has steadily declined and with that so has clinician familiarity with this disease. Herein, we present four KS cases recently encountered at our institution that illustrate both typical manifestations of pulmonary KS as well as its thoracic complications. The case descriptions are followed by a review of these clinical entities with the aim of restoring awareness among frontline physicians of what is now a rare but not quite extinct AIDS-defining neoplasm.

Related: Lung Cancer Skin Cancer