New photodynamic therapy protocol to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with phenotiazinium compounds (methylene blue and toluidine blue) and excitation by a non-coherent light source (RL50) to treat AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (Sk-AIDS).


BACKGROUND
Sk-AIDS is a malignant disease that is recurrent in AIDS patients. Laser-based PDT protocols have been applied to treat Sk-AIDS with relative success.


METHODS
A single patient with multiple lesions who had undergone chemotherapy without success was treated with several applications of PDT, and the patient was closely evaluated. The PDT protocol consisted of injecting a mixture of phenotiazinium compounds into the lesions and applying RL50 at 18 J/cm(2).


RESULTS
Complete remission with excellent cosmetic result was observed. This result was discussed in terms of the known mechanisms of PDT action and compared with other PDT protocols.


CONCLUSIONS
This inexpensive PDT protocol, which is based on phenothiazinium compounds and RL50, is efficient to treat Sk-AIDS.
Tardivo
João P
JP
Department of Oncology, Medical School of Foundation of ABC, São Paulo, Brazil.
Del Giglio
Auro
A
Paschoal
Luis H
LH
Baptista
Mauricio S
MS
D000328:Adult; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology