Combination of vinblastine and bleomycin as first line therapy in advanced classic Kaposi's sarcoma.
BACKGROUND
Classic KS (CKS) mainly affects elderly people, has an irregular course, and is relatively benign for years. However, sometimes the disease may progress rapidly and spread to internal organs, thus necessitating systemic chemotherapy. We therefore decided to carry out a prospective trial using vinblastine and bleomycin, which are active, easy to administer and control, and low cost.


METHODS
We treated 29 patients affected by CKS with vinblastine i.v., up to 10 mg in combination with bleomycin i.m., 15 IU every 3 weeks. We administered a median of seven cycles of therapy.


RESULTS
All the 29 enrolled patients were evaluated: 21% reached a complete response and 76% had an intermediate response. Toxicity was limited. The maximal response was attained in a median of 5 months, with a mean duration of 4 months.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of vinblastine and bleomycin achieved a high rate of objective responses in a subgroup of elderly and symptomatic patients, without considerable toxicity. We recommend the combination as first line chemotherapy for advanced CKS.
Brambilla
L
L
Institute of Dermatological Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Mangiagalli e Regina Elena, Via Pace 9, 20122 Milan, Italy. luciabrambilla1@tiscalinet.it
Miedico
A
A
Ferrucci
S
S
Romanelli
A
A
Brambati
M
M
Vinci
M
M
Tedeschi
L
L
Boneschi
V
V
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; D001761:Bleomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D001761:Bleomycin; D014747:Vinblastine