Systemic Treatment Initiation in Classical and Endemic Kaposi’s Sarcoma: Risk Factors and Global Multi-State Modelling in a Monocentric Cohort Study

Abstract

Background: Although several studies described the clinical course of epidemic and post-transplant Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS), the lack of large cohorts of classic/endemic KS, precluded such characterization. Methods: We used multi-state modelling in a retrospective monocentric study to evaluate global disease evolution and identify risk factors for systemic treatment (ST) initiation. 160 classic/endemic KS patients consecutively diagnosed between 1990 and 2013 were included. Results: 41.2% of classic/endemic KS patients required ST. Cumulative incidence of ST after 2 years of follow-up was 28.4% [95% CI: 20.5; 35.5]. Multivariate analysis identified six risk factors for ST initiation: time between first symptoms and diagnosis ≥1 year, endemic KS, total number of lesions ≥10, visceral, head or neck localization and presence of edema. Type of ST, type of KS, age and time between diagnosis and ST were not associated with response. Mean treatment-free time during the first 5 years following ST was 44 months for interferon and 44.6 months for chemotherapy treated patients (Mean difference: −0.5 months [95% CI: −9.5; 4.9]). Conclusions: Our study reveals ST risk factors in classic/endemic KS and highlights the clinical aggressiveness of the endemic KS subtype. No efficacy difference was observed between standard of care treatments, enabling treatment choice based on patient’s fitness.

Keywords

• classical and endemic Kaposi Sarcoma
• systemic treatment
• multi-state modelling
• treatment free interval
• chemotherapy
• interferon