Liposomal doxorubicin: new preparation. Useful in Kaposi's sarcoma

The clinical file on liposomal doxorubicin in Kaposi's sarcoma is bulky and methodologically sound. The most relevant clinical trial, involving 258 patients, showed that fortnightly short infusions of 20 mg/m 2 liposomal doxorubicin yielded more partial or complete tumour reductions than the ABV protocol. This provides a substantial cosmetic benefit for patients, even if the duration of remission and survival time are not affected, and even if other trials have shown that complete remission is obtained in only 6% of cases. Overall, liposomal doxorubicin is better tolerated than the ABV protocol, with fewer depressing adverse effects such as hair loss and peripheral neuropathy. Liposomal doxorubicin and liposomal daunorubicin have not been compared directly in clinical trials.