[Kaposi's sarkoma in solid organ recipients]

Kaposi's sarkoma (KS) is a malignancy with hyperplastic angio-proliferative lesions with inflammatory changes usually associated with human Herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection. The predominant is skin localization with dark-blue or purplish colour nodules and plaques. Cutaneous changes may be associated with visceral involvement, which as a isolated form is rare. KS is not frequent disease in general population however risk of its development is substantially increased in immunocompromised patients including AIDS or receiving immunosuppression transplant organ recipients. The potency of immunosuppression is a highly relevant factor in the development of KS after transplantation. Patients receiving more intense immunosuppression are at a significantly higher risk of developing post transplant KS. Localized disease may be treated by surgery, kriotherapy or radiotherapy while widespread envolvement usually needs systemic therapy. Reduction or cessation of immunosuppression, especially calcineurin inhibitors, in transplant organs recipients gives positive therapeutic results. Swich from calcineurin inhibitors to rapamycin, immunosuppressive agent with anti-neoplastic activity, is a novel therapeutic option for solid rorgans recipients.