The role of radiotherapy for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.

Techniques first developed for the treatment of classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) have been used with considerable success in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with the early stages of the epidemic form of KS. Single doses of radiation or larger amounts applied as fractionated doses can produce short-term regression of cutaneous lesions with minimum morbidity. Fractionated doses applied to the foot, genitalia, anorectum, eye, or oral cavity over a period of 2 to 4 weeks can improve the quality of life in patients with lesions that are painful or functionally disturbing.