Noncytotoxic approaches to the treatment of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an otherwise unusual disease that frequently complicates the course of HIV infection. While there is some evidence to suggest that the pathogenesis of KS is driven by a variety of cytokines and cellular factors, the exact pathogenesis of the disease is unknown at present. Current therapy for HIV-associated KS has been developed empirically and involves, for the most part, classic cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, as more is learned about the pathogenesis of KS lesions, new and novel therapeutic modalities may emerge aimed at interrupting or blocking the activity of the pathogenetic factors involved.