Resolution of severe Kaposi's sarcoma after initiation of antiretroviral triple therapy.

OBJECTIVES

To study the relationship between effective antiretroviral therapy, monitored by CD4 counts, and it s influence on the clinical course of AIDS associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

METHODS

Four representative cases with AIDS and advanced Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) showed improvement of histologically proven KS s in various sites, including pulmonary disease, treated with liposomal doxorubicin. CD4 counts increased significantly during administration of triple antiretroviral therapy. In three cases chemotherapy cycles were extended and subsequently discontinued for 4, 14 and 4 months, respectively, without any relapse. In one other case interferonalpha therapy has been started overlapping with doxorubicin prior to permanent discontinuation of doxorubicin.

CONCLUSIONS

Data of those patients suggest that in patients with increasing CD4 counts KS's chemotherapy intervals should be extended or even discontinued. In some patients change of therapy to interferon alpha can be considered. A potent combined antiretroviral therapy may enhance efficiency of KS treatment even in patients with high CD4 counts.