A retrospective analysis of thalidomide therapy in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
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.
Ben M'barek
Lilia
L
Department of Dermatology, Hospital Saint Louis, Paris, France.
Fardet
Laurence
L
Mebazaa
Amel
A
Thervet
Eric
E
Biet
Israel
I
Kérob
Delphine
D
Morel
Patrice
P
Lebbe
Céleste
C
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