Megavoltage radiotherapy using water bolus in the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma

Between 1976 and 1983, 28 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma were treated in the Department of Radiation and Clinical Oncology of the Hadassah University Hospital in Jerusalem. Most of the patients (16, i.e. 57%) were Jews of European origin. Eighteen (64.2%) of the patients presented with severe leg edema in addition to multifocal, disseminated skin lesions. Only one patient was free of clinical disease in the lower extremities. Large, ulcerated masses were seen in three patients. The affected limbs were immersed in a water bath and irradiated with two-opposing portals to a total dose of 3000 rads. Total disappearance of the skin lesions was achieved in 89% of the patients, although the limb edema regressed completely in only 56% of the patients.