Kaposi's sarcoma: aetiopathogenesis, histology and clinical features.
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) represents today one of the most common skin cancers in transplanted Mediterranean subjects and, since the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, in young unmarried single men. The disease has been associated with the recent identified human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 or KS herpesvirus and its incidence in the general population shows a north to south gradient that parallels the HHV-8 increasing prevalence from Nordic countries to sub-Saharan regions. The identification of the aetiopathogenetic mechanisms (viral agents and immunodeficiency) involved in the pathogenesis of KS, are relevant for identifying susceptible subjects (HHV-8 seropositive subjects), monitoring the immune levels in iatrogenic immune suppressed patients, and developing new therapeutic approaches based on antiviral and immune modulators.


OBJECTIVE
This article should enable the reader: (i) to learn about the clinical and molecular aspects of KS in order to have a multidisciplinary approach to a tumour that shows unique features; (ii) to consider the role of viral agents and immunity; and (iii) to recognize properties of an opportunistic neoplasm. The identification of the HHV-8 role in KS pathogenesis should establish a relevant tool in the clinical management of KS patients.
Buonaguro
F M
FM
Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori Fondazione Pascale, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Tornesello
M L
ML
Buonaguro
L
L
Satriano
R A
RA
Ruocco
E
E
Castello
G
G
Ruocco
V
V
D017088:AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections / Q000821:virology; D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D015994:Incidence; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology*