Kaposi's sarcoma: aetiopathogenesis, histology and clinical features

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) represents today one of the most common skin cancers in transplanted Mediterranean subjects and, since the epidemic of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome, in young unmarried single men. The disease has been associated with the recent identified human herpesvirus (HHV)-8 or KS herpesvirus and its incidence in the general population shows a north to south gradient that parallels the HHV-8 increasing prevalence from Nordic countries to sub-Saharan regions. The identification of the aetiopathogenetic mechanisms (viral agents and immunodeficiency) involved in the pathogenesis of KS, are relevant for identifying susceptible subjects (HHV-8 seropositive subjects), monitoring the immune levels in iatrogenic immune suppressed patients, and developing new therapeutic approaches based on antiviral and immune modulators.

This article should enable the reader: (i) to learn about the clinical and molecular aspects of KS in order to have a multidisciplinary approach to a tumour that shows unique features; (ii) to consider the role of viral agents and immunity; and (iii) to recognize properties of an opportunistic neoplasm. The identification of the HHV-8 role in KS pathogenesis should establish a relevant tool in the clinical management of KS patients.