Kaposi's sarcoma. An Update.

BACKGROUND

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) had been an uncommon entity prior to the outbreak of the AIDS epidemic but is now the most common neoplasm occurring in patient's with AIDS. KS occurs in four distinct subsets, each of which the dermatologist is well suited to diagnose and manage. Significant advances have been made recently related to the etiology of KS and new options for treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to update clinicians on the diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of KS.

METHODS

Articles from the recent dermatologic and nondermatologic literature have been reviewed and summarized.

RESULTS

The clinical features of the four subsets of KS are presented. Recent evidence reveals a close association between KS and a new human herpesvirus, termed Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), in all subsets of KS. KSHV may play an etiologic role in the development of some cases of KS. Treatment options include local destructive measures and systemic regimens, the choice of which is based on extent of disease, symptomatology, degree of immunosuppression, and concurrent medical problems. New treatments aimed at factors involved in the pathogenesis of KS may provide additional options for the future.

CONCLUSION

KS is a disease well suited to diagnosis and management by dermatologists. As more is learned of its etiology and pathogenesis, new therapeutic approaches will continue to be developed.