BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: We reviewed the follow-up of 16 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus (13 with classic Kaposi's sarcoma and three with endemic Kaposi's sarcoma; median age, 58 years) treated by low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b (5 million U three times weekly for at least 6 months). RESULTS: One patient had a complete response, nine had a major response, three had stable disease, and one had a minor response. Visceral disease stabilized and symptoms improved in three patients. Limited relapse was noted in four patients after withdrawal of interferon. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the long-term treatment of both cutaneous and visceral lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus.
BACKGROUND AND DESIGN: We reviewed the follow-up of 16 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus (13 with classic Kaposi's sarcoma and three with endemic Kaposi's sarcoma; median age, 58 years) treated by low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b (5 million U three times weekly for at least 6 months). RESULTS: One patient had a complete response, nine had a major response, three had stable disease, and one had a minor response. Visceral disease stabilized and symptoms improved in three patients. Limited relapse was noted in four patients after withdrawal of interferon. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the long-term treatment of both cutaneous and visceral lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus.
Authors: P Monini; F Carlini; M Stürzl; P Rimessi; F Superti; M Franco; G Melucci-Vigo; A Cafaro; D Goletti; C Sgadari; S Butto'; P Leone; C Chiozzini; C Barresi; A Tinari; A Bonaccorsi; M R Capobianchi; M Giuliani; A di Carlo; M Andreoni; G Rezza; B Ensoli Journal: J Virol Date: 1999-05 Impact factor: 5.103