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Radiation therapy for AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma
A M Berson1, J M Quivey, J W Harris
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Radiation therapy effectively treats AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma, with over 90% response rates. A single 8 Gy fraction is recommended for skin lesions, showing fewer severe reactions and similar outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Palliative Care
Background:
- AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) is a significant opportunistic infection.
- Radiation therapy has been used for palliation of KS lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of radiation therapy for AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma.
- To determine the optimal fractionation regimen for KS treatment.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 375 treated fields in 187 patients with AIDS-related KS.
- Doses ranged from 8 Gy in a single fraction to 15-40 Gy in 5-10 fractions.
- Analysis of treatment response, time to progression, relapse rates, and severe reactions.
Main Results:
- Over 90% of treated fields achieved a response.
- Median time to progression was 21 months; 6-month freedom from relapse was 69%.
- A single 8 Gy fraction resulted in significantly fewer severe reactions (p < 0.001) compared to multifraction regimens.
Conclusions:
- Radiation therapy is a valuable palliative treatment for AIDS-related KS.
- A single 8 Gy fraction is effective and well-tolerated for skin KS lesions.
- Further research is needed for single-fraction therapy on non-skin KS lesions.