Beta-human choriogonadotropin therapy and HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Recently, two clinical trials demonstrated an antitumour effect of systemic high-dose beta-hCG therapy and of different regimens of local beta-hCG injections in AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. We report the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous beta-hCG treatment (low-dose (2500-25000 IU/day) or high dose (25000-100000 IU/day)) in eight patients with advanced HIV disease in whom systemic chemotherapy and radiation were contraindicated or had failed. During therapy, serum hCG-concentrations as well as LH and FSH were measured. In the low-dose regimen one partial response was achieved. In the high-dose regimen, one patient maintained his response without further improvement. Three patients had stable disease and four patients disease progression. Serious side effects related to beta-hCG therapy were not observed. In conclusion, systemic beta-hCG-therapy for Kaposi's sarcoma is safe but associated with regression only in a minority of patients with advanced HIV-disease.
Witzke
O
O
Universitaetsklinikum Essen, Medizinische Klinik, Abteilung fuer Nieren- und Hochdruckkrankheiten, Hufelandstr. 55, Essen D-45147, Germany.
Hense
J
J
Reinhardt
W
W
Reiner
C
C
Hoermann
R
R
Philipp
T
T
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018997:Chorionic Gonadotropin, beta Subunit, Human