Sirolimus for visceral and cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal-transplant recipient

The incidence of Kaposi's sarcoma among recipients of solid organs is about 500 times the rate in the general population, suggesting a role for immunosuppression in its development. On the basis of these findings, we investigated the impact of sirolimus on cutaneous and disseminated visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in a renal-transplant recipient. The introduction of sirolimus in this patient allowed complete regression of Kaposi's sarcoma (cutaneous and visceral) with preservation of excellent renal function. Meanwhile, in view of the available observational reports, we think that sirolimus should be included in the standard treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma after transplantation, to permit remission of the sarcoma (both cutaneous and visceral) while preserving the renal function.