Radiation therapy for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

Twenty-four patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) received 80 courses of radiation therapy for Kaposi's sarcoma (KS). Pain and other symptoms due to mass effects were well controlled, but KS lesions often persisted in irradiated sites. Acute radiation toxicity to doses of approximately 2,000 cGy in ten fractions to the oral cavity and/or the foot were significant and may limit the dose and the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with the epidemic form of KS.