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Etoposide for epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: a phase II study
P J Bakker1, S A Danner, J M Lange
1Division of Medical Oncology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
European Journal of Cancer & Clinical Oncology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Etoposide showed no effectiveness in treating advanced epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma. The chemotherapy resulted in severe myelosuppression and opportunistic infections in patients, indicating its inactivity against this condition.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an AIDS-defining malignancy.
- Advanced stages (III and IV) of KS require effective treatment options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of etoposide in treating untreated patients with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma stages III and IV.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of fourteen untreated patients with epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma stages III and IV received etoposide at a dosage of 150 mg/m2.
- Treatment was administered on 3 consecutive days every 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- No tumor responses were observed in any of the treated patients.
- Severe myelosuppression occurred, with WHO grade 3-4 neutropenia in nine patients and grade 3-4 thrombocytopenia in one patient.
- Three patients developed opportunistic infections during the course of etoposide therapy.
Conclusions:
- Etoposide is inactive and not recommended for the treatment of epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma.
- The observed toxicity profile, including severe myelosuppression and opportunistic infections, further supports its lack of efficacy.