Non-human immunodeficiency virus Kaposi's sarcoma can be effectively treated with low-dose interferon-alpha despite the persistence of herpesvirus-8.
Three patients, negative for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with histologically and polymerase chain reaction-proven non-HIV Kaposi's sarcoma who received low-dose interferon (IFN) as first-line treatment because of disseminated symptomatic disease are reported. Applying 3-18 million IU of IFN-alpha 2a per day, 3 days a week, subcutaneously for 8-20 months, major responses were achieved in all three cases. Tumour regression was observed within 4 months and has continued for 57 and 18 months to date (cases 1 and 2, respectively). Influenza-like symptoms, including fever, headaches and fatigue, were mild side-effects. However, in the third patient interferon injections had to be stopped because of hepatic enzyme elevation. Including this case report, 27 non-HIV Kaposi's sarcoma patients subcutaneously treated with IFN-alpha have been reported in literature. Most therapy regimens included 3-18 million IU IFN-alpha per day for 3 days a week. Twenty of 27 patients, or 74%, responded to therapy, whereas seven patients or 26% had stable or progressive disease. Relapse after IFN withdrawal can occur but is frequently delayed and limited, as in case 1. Following the response to IFN treatment, human herpesvirus-8 DNA was detected in the blood mononuclear cells of all three patients, possibly contributing to future relapses.
Deichmann
M
M
Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Germany.
Thome
M
M
Jäckel
A
A
Utermann
S
S
Bock
M
M
Waldmann
V
V
Näher
H
H
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D016896:Treatment Outcome