Classic Kaposi's sarcoma: A review of 156 cases

Abstract

Background: Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a reactive, multifocal, multicentric, angiogenic neoplastic proliferation that is thought to originate from endothelial cells that are infected with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). This report examines a cohort of patients with classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) evaluated at the national institute of oncology over the 13-year period. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 156 patients with classic KS, between January 2000 and November 2013, was performed. This study focused on the clinical presentation, staging, diagnosis, and treatment of classic KS. Results: One hundred fifty-six patients (median age 69 and 115 male) were enrolled into the study. Median age at diagnosis was 69 (range: 32–95 years). Male/female ratio was 2.80. The most common location was the lower limbs. There were 75 stage I patients (48.1%), 8 stage II patients (22.4%), 31 stage III patients (19.9%) and 15 stage IV patients (9.6%). Surgery was the most common local treatment method (43%). 44 patients (28.2%) received radiotherapy (RT) at diagnosis. Cytotoxic treatment with chemotherapy or interferon-α was administered in 57 patients. Visceral involvement was observed in 10 patients (lung: nine patients, liver: one patient) and bone metastasis occurred in two patients at relapse. Conclusion: This study is one of the largest reported series. Further studies are required and it will be important to standardize the assessment of disease activity and clinical response. Keywords: Classic Kaposi's sarcoma, Radiotherapy, Surgery, Chemotherapy