M Caccialanza1, S Marca, R Piccinno, G Eulisse. 1. Department of Photoradiotherapy, Institute of Dermatological Sciences of the University, Milan, Italy. fotoradio@policlinico.mi.it
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The lesions of the various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which are relatively radiosensitive, have been treated with different modalities of radiotherapy, with heterogeneous aims and results. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy on a large number of lesions endowed (classic KS) with a prolonged follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 711 lesions of classic KS and 771 lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related KS, treated with traditional X-ray therapy. RESULTS: In classic KS, a cure rate of 98.7% resulted after 13.5 years from the end of radiotherapy. In three lesions (0.42%) in the same patient, an acute radiodermatitis occurred after traumatic action. In HIV-related KS, a complete remission was obtained in 91.43% of the lesions, partial remission in 6.74% and non-response in 0.51% at 1 to 46 months from the end of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy showed to be a safe and effective method, with relevant importance in the therapeutic strategy of KS.
BACKGROUND: The lesions of the various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which are relatively radiosensitive, have been treated with different modalities of radiotherapy, with heterogeneous aims and results. OBJECTIVE: To verify the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy on a large number of lesions endowed (classic KS) with a prolonged follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study was done on 711 lesions of classic KS and 771 lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related KS, treated with traditional X-ray therapy. RESULTS: In classic KS, a cure rate of 98.7% resulted after 13.5 years from the end of radiotherapy. In three lesions (0.42%) in the same patient, an acute radiodermatitis occurred after traumatic action. In HIV-related KS, a complete remission was obtained in 91.43% of the lesions, partial remission in 6.74% and non-response in 0.51% at 1 to 46 months from the end of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy showed to be a safe and effective method, with relevant importance in the therapeutic strategy of KS.
Authors: Jair C Leao; Camila M B Ribeiro; Alessandra A T Carvalho; Cristina Frezzini; Stephen Porter Journal: Clinics (Sao Paulo) Date: 2009-05 Impact factor: 2.365