Current therapeutic options for Kaposi's sarcoma.
Treatment options for patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) have changed very little over the past decade. Research has been hampered by the absence of an accepted staging system for KS and the lack of a uniform definition of response. New advances in understanding the pathogenesis of KS, particularly the role of angiogenesis and growth factors, may help in the future development of additional therapies. At present, available options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and biologic response modifiers. Improved delivery systems for existing chemotherapeutic agents may help to target more effective doses to KS lesions and to prevent certain dose-limiting side effects. Our goal should be to recommit ourselves to finding ways to improve the survival of patients with AIDS-related KS, not j ust to deliver cosmetic or palliative treatments.
Abrams
D I
DI
University of California, San Francisco 94110, USA.
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents