Review of latent and lytic phase biomarkers in Kaposi's sarcoma.
BACKGROUND
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm with distinct clinical-epidemiological subtypes and varied clinical presentations. While the association of KS with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8, KSHV) infection is well known, additional factors are needed for tumorigenesis. The precise sequence of events involved in KS development, progression and regression continues to be investigated. The discovery of KSHV biomarkers is helpful for diagnostic purposes, for understanding KS pathogenesis and for identifying potential druggable targets.


METHODS
This article reviews a number of key biomarkers relevant for the diagnosis of KS and HHV8-related pathogenesis. New developments in KS, potential therapeutic targets and the challenges involved in their discovery are highlighted.


CONCLUSIONS
Although there is currently no cure for KS, continued research devoted to uncovering biomarkers and understanding their pathogenic roles remains encouraging. The hope is that sometime soon one of these candidate targets will provide a curative therapy for this enigmatic sarcoma.
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Pathology , Suite 201, 5150 Centre Street, Pittsburgh , USA +1 412 794 4195 ; +1 412 794 3195 ; pantanowitzl@upmc.edu.
Milon
M
Amin
Liron
L
Pantanowitz
D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human; D006801:Humans; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy
D015415:Biomarkers