Radiotherapy in the management of Kaposi's sarcoma

Of all types of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), only AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)-related KS is of clinical importance, although its incidence has significantly declined in the last years. KS is considered a radiosensitive tumor, and good palliation of symptoms can be achieved with radiotherapy.

Evident radiotherapy data in the available literature were reviewed to analyze and evaluate indications, techniques, dose concepts and outcomes in radiation treatment of KS.

Good palliation of KS symptoms can be achieved by radiotherapy, with more than 90% response and 70% complete remission. For patients with far advanced AIDS, a single dose of 8 Gy is preferable. The following doses have been shown to be sufficient: 15 Gy for oral lesions, 20 Gy for lesions involving the eyelids, conjunctivae and genitals, 30-40 Gy in single doses of 2 Gy for cutaneous lesions. Side effects are rare, and radiation is usually well tolerated, with minimal skin reactions -- except for patients with mucosa lesions, where a high degree of mucositis is often observed.

Radiotherapy has its place in the management of KS as an efficient treatment, often representing the optimal local therapy for palliation of pain, bleeding or edema.