Clinico-epidemiologic characteristics and patterns of care in Kaposi's sarcoma: Data from a single-institution series

Changing therapeutic landscape in advanced Kaposi sarcoma: Current state and future directions

Kaposi sarcoma is a malignant neoplasm arising from the endothelial cell lining of blood and lymphatic vessels. Herein, we discuss etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, updated guideline-based approach to its management and newer experimental approaches. Given its efficacy and side effect profile, pegylated doxorubicin is the currently preferred first-line therapy in advanced disease. Paclitaxel remains an alternative first-line option. At the time of relapse, patients can be retreated with the same agents as they often maintain their clinical efficacy. New therapeutic options are on the rise, with pomalidomide being approved in 2020 as a second-line therapy. Optimal control of retroviral infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive is instrumental in preventing disease occurrence in most patients. Suppressing human herpes virus type 8 (HHV-8) infection might also play a role in controlling Kaposi sarcoma growth, yet clinical trials are lacking. Unraveling the molecular and genetic intricacies of Kaposi sarcoma's pathogenesis might allow for the emergence of novel and effective therapeutic strategies. Clinical trials are currently underway to establish potential roles for various targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and experimental agents in the treatment of advanced Kaposi sarcoma.

Necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma, reversed by pegylated liposomal doxorubicin

INTRODUCTION

Although rare, Kaposi sarcoma is the most common malignant neoplasm associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Several agents have now been approved in the treatment of this malignancy and are used with varying degrees of success.

CASE REPORT

We present a unique case of a 64-year-old man with well-controlled HIV infection who developed necrotizing leg gangrene from invasive cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma. He responded very well to systemic chemotherapy, thereby avoiding limb amputation.

MANAGEMENT AND OUTCOME

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) at a dose of 20 mg/m2 every 3 weeks was utilized, with a near-complete response after six cycles of therapy. The patient continues to receive maintenance treatment with PLD. His HIV infection remains in excellent control, with a high-normal CD4 T-cell count. Periodic echocardiogram evaluations have not shown any decline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) over time.

CONCLUSION

Most patients with Kaposi sarcoma achieve partial responses to treatment with PLD. Our case illustrates that near complete and complete responses are possible with this agent, leading to potential limb salvage in necrotizing gangrene.

Mucosal Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-negative patients: a large case series from a single, tertiary referral center in Italy

BACKGROUND

Mucosal involvement in HIV-negative Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is uncommon but has potentially serious repercussions on patient care. Evidence regarding its epidemiology and optimal management is limited. Invasive endoscopic staging at diagnosis and periodically during follow-up is currently recommended by major guidelines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We reviewed the clinical records of 1,308 HIV-negative KS patients followed at our dedicated KS outpatient service. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes for cases with biopsy proven mucosal lesions were collected.

RESULTS

Mucosal involvement was documented in 53 patients (4.1% of our cohort), being present at diagnosis in 28 (52.8%) and occurring at a later time in the remaining 25 (47.2%) patients, with a mean latency of 8 years (±7.7). Oral cavity (43.4%) and glans penis (39.6%) were the most frequently involved anatomical sites. Of those with available treatment response data, complete response (CR) of mucosal KS was appreciated in 41 cases (93.2%), while partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD) were documented in one (2.3%) and two cases (4.5%), respectively. Same-site recurrences were noticed in seven patients (17.1%).

CONCLUSION

Mucosal involvement in HIV-negative KS is rare, and its recurrence, if properly treated, appears to be infrequent. Thus, routine invasive monitoring in this setting may be unnecessary. We propose a tailored approach based on the clinical manifestations of each patient, limiting the indication of invasive procedures to the first evaluation and in case of significant clinical worsening or to monitor known mucosal localizations.