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Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in Italy, 1985-1998
L Dal Maso1, J Polesel, V Ascoli
1Servizio di Epidemiologia e Biostatistica, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico IRCCS, Via Pedemontana Occ.le 12, 33081 Aviano, Italy. epidemiology@cro.it
British Journal of Cancer
|December 1, 2004
Summary
Incidence rates of classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) remained stable in Italy from 1985-1998. Higher CKS rates in Northern/Central Italy suggest early-life acquisition of the human herpesvirus associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) incidence requires evaluation post-AIDS epidemic.
- Distinguishing CKS from AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma (AKS) is crucial for accurate epidemiological assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence rates (IRs) of CKS in Italy.
- To analyze geographical and temporal variations in CKS incidence.
- To investigate potential factors influencing CKS distribution.
Main Methods:
- Record linkage between 15 Italian Cancer Registries (CRs) and the national AIDS Registry.
- Distinguished CKS from AKS cases diagnosed between 1985 and 1998.
- Calculated age- and gender-adjusted IRs for CKS across different Italian regions.
Main Results:
- 874 CKS and 634 AKS cases were identified.
- CKS IRs were 1.0/100,000 in men and 0.4/100,000 in women, with significant regional variations.
- CKS IRs remained stable between 1985-1987 and 1993-1998.
- Individuals born in Southern Italy or Islands showed a 3.2-fold higher CKS IR in Northern/Central Italy compared to those born locally.
Conclusions:
- CKS incidence in Italy was stable between 1985 and 1998.
- Geographical disparities in CKS rates suggest early-life acquisition of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus.
- Further research into the early-life transmission routes of KS-associated herpesvirus is warranted.