Kaposi's sarcoma: the efficacy of a single fraction of 800 cGy.
BACKGROUND
Although Kaposi's sarcoma is the most common neoplasm in association with AIDS, classic Kaposi's sarcoma is rare. The best treatment modality is still unclear.


METHODS
Between December 1993 and December 1995, 42 fields in 12 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma were treated at our department. Only 3 patients had a history of renal transplantation and immunosuppressive treatment. A single dose of 800 cGy with 4-6 MeV electron beams was delivered to all patients.


RESULTS
Complete response rates at the 1st, 6th and 12th months after treatment were 45.2, 62 and 89.7%, respectively. Side effects included various degrees of hyperpigmentation and mild edema and fibrosis in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that a single application of 800 cGy is as effective as a more protracted course of radiotherapy with a comparable complication rate.
Yildiz
F
F
Department of Radiation Oncology, Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Ozyar
E
E
Uzal
D
D
Sahin
S
S
Atahan
I L
IL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D011879:Radiotherapy Dosage; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014421:Turkey