Iron: a target for the management of Kaposi's sarcoma?
BACKGROUND
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumour associated with human herpesvirus-8 infection. However, the incidence of human herpesvirus-8 infection is far higher than the prevalence of KS, suggesting that viral infection per se is not sufficient for the development of malignancy and that one or more additional cofactors are required.


CONCLUSIONS
Epidemiological data suggest that iron may be one of the cofactors involved in the pathogenesis of KS. Iron is a well-known carcinogen and may favour KS growth through several pathways. Based on the apoptotic and antiproliferative effect of iron chelation on KS cells, it is suggested that iron withdrawal strategies could be developed for the management of KS. Studies using potent iron chelators in suitable KS animal models are critical to evaluate whether iron deprivation may be a useful anti-KS strategy.


CONCLUSIONS
It is suggested that iron may be one of non-viral co-factors involved of KS pathogenesis and that iron withdrawal strategies might interfere with tumour growth in patients with KS.
Simonart
Thierry
T
Department of Dermatology, Erasme University Hospital, Route de Lennik 808, B-1070 Brussels, Belgium. tsimonar@ulb.ac.be
D000349:Africa / Q000453:epidemiology; D000077543:Deferiprone; D003676:Deferoxamine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D011728:Pyridones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000821:virology; D019371:Topography, Medical
D007502:Iron Chelating Agents; D011728:Pyridones; D000077543:Deferiprone; D003676:Deferoxamine