title: A retrospective analysis of thalidomide therapy in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties and has recently been used in the management of human malignancies. Several studies have suggested its interest for treating AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide, an antiangiogenic agent, for the treatment of non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven patients were included in this retrospective study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Saint Louis, Paris, between 2000 and 2003. Among them, 2 were immunosuppressed (1 renal transplant recipient and 1 patient with microscopic polyangiitis treated by oral steroids) with stable immunosuppressive regimens during the past 6 months. The median daily thalidomide dosage was 100 mg and the median duration of drug treatment was 16 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Three patients achieved a partial response and 4 had a stable disease. Although no grade 3 or 4 was observed, 3 (27%) out of 11 patients prematurely discontinued thalidomide because of grade 1 sensory neuropathy (paresthesia) and vertigo.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results show a true although modest interest of thalidomide in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma and prompt us to evaluate less toxic thalidomide analogues for this indication.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Hospital Saint Louis, Paris, France.
authors.forename: Lilia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ben M'barek
authors.forename: Laurence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fardet
authors.forename: Amel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mebazaa
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Thervet
authors.forename: Israel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Biet
authors.forename: Delphine
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kérob
authors.forename: Patrice
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Morel
authors.forename: Céleste
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lebbe
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome