Results of radiation therapy for treatment of classic Kaposi sarcoma

Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) is a vascular neoplasm that primarily affects men of Mediterranean and Ashkenazi Jewish descent. A variety of therapeutic options exist, and choice of treatment depends on clinical form and stage, as well as lesion location and size; options include surgical excision, intralesional interferon alpha-2b, local or extended field radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.

The aim of this study was to review the outcome of radiation therapy in the treatment of CKS at a single institution.

This retrospective study reviewed patients who receive radiation therapy for histologically confirmed CKS between 1994 and 2006.

Sixteen patients were reviewed; the mean age at diagnosis was 74 years, and 13 patients were male. Fifteen patients (94%) presented with leg lesions, and two patients (12.5%) presented with arm lesions. The most commonly prescribed radiation dose was 30 Gy in 15 daily fractions of 2 Gy. All lesions responded to treatment, with a complete response rate of 88% and a partial response rate of 12%. Toxicity was limited to grade I dermatitis (four patients) and grade II dermatitis (two patients).

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality for CKS and is associated with minimal toxicity.