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Updated: Nov 15, 2025
03:57
Electrochemotherapy of Tumours
Published on: December 15, 2008
24.8K
Electrochemotherapy in Kaposi sarcoma: A systematic review
Martina Ferioli1, Andrea Galuppi1, Milly Buwenge1
1Radiation Oncology Center, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, University of Bologna, I-40138 Bologna, Italy.
Molecular and Clinical Oncology
|March 8, 2021
Summary
Electrochemotherapy (ECT) shows high response rates for Kaposi sarcoma (KS) skin lesions, with complete response in 65-100% of cases. This treatment is well-tolerated, but further research is needed for long-term efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a rare angioproliferative neoplasm often linked to human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection.
- KS skin lesions present a significant clinical challenge, necessitating effective local treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the efficacy and safety of electrochemotherapy (ECT) for treating Kaposi sarcoma (KS) skin lesions.
- To evaluate tumor response, local disease control, and toxicity associated with ECT in KS patients.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of studies investigating ECT for KS skin lesions was conducted.
- Data on complete response (CR), overall response rate (ORR), and adverse events were extracted and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The three included studies reported a complete response rate ranging from 65% to 100%.
- An overall response rate of 100% was observed across all studies.
- ECT was generally well-tolerated, with predominantly mild and transient toxicity.
Conclusions:
- Electrochemotherapy demonstrates high efficacy in achieving tumor response for Kaposi sarcoma skin lesions.
- While well-tolerated, further research is essential to ascertain long-term disease control and compare ECT with alternative therapies for KS.
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