Recent Advances in the Histopathology, Molecular Biology, and Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma: A Contemporary Review

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an intermediate-grade vascular tumour that has undergone major treatment and diagnostic breakthroughs following the discovery of Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8). Whilst classically described in Eastern European populations, the endemic and epidemic forms of KS have facilitated its association with AIDS. This was led by the detection of HHV8 by PCR, and thereafter, immunohistochemically. This not only enabled the recognition and diagnosis of complex histopathological KS subtypes but also facilitated distinction from its mimickers, including acroangiodermatitis and pyogenic granuloma. Recent advances in the viral genomics of HHV8 have expanded the diagnostic landscape of KS clinically and molecularly. The latent phase of replication in the HHV8 lifecycle reveals numerous angiogenic and inflammatory factors. Novel therapies targeting these viral-human molecular interactions may prove useful. However, this is highly dependent on the clonal nature of KS. Conflicting research outcomes demonstrate varying viewpoints on the clonal (monoclonal/oligoclonal/polyclonal) nature of KS, heightening the tumoural versus inflammatory pseudoneoplastic controversy. Understanding the clinical context of KS is fundamental to understanding its clonality, and a dearth of this clinical information in recent studies appears to be the critical factor in determining the true clonal nature of KS. The current molecular landscape, histopathology, treatment options, and opinions on clonality are critically reviewed.