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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus KSHV
Published on: September 14, 2010
Posttransplant Kaposi sarcoma: Analysis of a series of 13 patients
Carlos González-Cruz1, Carla Ferrándiz-Pulido1, Berta Ferrer Fàbregas1
1Dermatology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
Introduction And Objectives:
This study reflects our experience in the management of posttransplant Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) and assesses the clinical relevance of monitoring HHV-8 DNA viral load in peripheral blood by qPCR.
Patients And Methods:
Retrospective study of all patients diagnosed with posttransplant KS during the period 1995-2019. In 8 patients, we performed a qPCR in serum for HHV-8 DNA detection at diagnosis and/or during follow-up.
Results:
Data from 13 organ transplant recipients with a diagnosis of iatrogenic KS were collected. Reduction and/or discontinuation of one or more immunosuppressive agent(s) along with switching to an mTOR inhibitor was part of the treatment approach in 12 (92%) patients. Overall response rate (including complete response, partial response, and stable disease) was observed in 9 patients. At diagnosis, HHV-8 qPCR in serum was positive in 2 out of 5 patients. During follow-up, both positive cases turned negative, as a clinical response.
Conclusions:
Our work highlights the critical role of reduction of immunosuppression and conversion to an mTOR inhibitor in the management of posttransplant KS.
