[Kaposi sarcoma and HHV-8: a model of cutaneous cancer in immunosuppressed patients].
The virus HHV-8 will celebrate its twentieth birthday by the end of this year and its relationships with Kaposi sarcoma are not completely elucidated. HHV-8 is an enigmatic virus, with an inhomogeneous distribution, a salivary transmission while it is not an ubiquitous virus, at least in western countries. However, HHV-8 has a unique genetic equipment rending is role in Kaposi sarcoma more than plausible. While the virus is necessary, it appears that it is not sufficient as the development of Kaposi sarcoma is frequently associated with immunosuppression whatever the cause (iatrogenic, viral, age-related). Kaposi sarcoma should be more considered as an opportunistic tumour than a viral-induced cancer and the best treatment for Kaposi sarcoma is immune restoration at least when it is possible.
Nicolas
N
Dupin
Jean
J
Deleuze
D019288:Herpesvirus 8, Human; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D008954:Models, Biological; D012514:Sarcoma, Kaposi / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*