Role of radiotherapy in the treatment of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: Experience with sixty-five cases

Roberta Piccinno, Massimo Caccialanza, Marco Cusini

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) associated with HIV infection should improve often disfiguring lesions, with an acceptable cosmetic outcome; relieve associated signs and symptoms (pain and edema); and have no adverse effects on the patient's already impaired immune status. Objective: Our purpose was to determine the role of x-ray therapy in the treatment of KS. Methods: Contact x-ray therapy and half-deep x-ray therapy were used to treat 594 lesions in 65 patients with KS, who were observed for 1 to 43 months (mean, 9 months). Results: Complete remission was achieved with pigmentation in 405 lesions (68.3%), with good cosmetic results in 105 (17.7%), and with hypopigmentation in three (0.5%). In 80 lesions (13.5%) only size reduction or pain palliation were achieved. Fourteen lesions (2.4%) relapsed 2 to 9 months after treatment. Conclusion: X-ray therapy is well tolerated and meets the specified requirements for the treatment of KS.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1000-1003
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Volume32
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1995

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Dermatology

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