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Identifying Dysregulated Genes Induced by Kaposi's Sarcoma-associated Herpesvirus (KSHV)
Published on: September 14, 2010
Kaposi's sarcoma associated with immunosuppression for bullous pemphigoid
S M Halpern1, R Parslew, R Cerio
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Liverpool University Hospital, London, U.K.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Kaposi's sarcoma can develop in patients treated for bullous pemphigoid with immunosuppressants. Lesion regression was observed after discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy in one HIV-negative patient.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an opportunistic malignancy often associated with immunosuppression, particularly in organ transplant recipients.
- Its occurrence in patients treated for dermatological conditions, especially bullous pemphigoid, is less commonly recognized.
Observation:
- Two HIV-negative patients developed multifocal Kaposi's sarcoma.
- The development of KS occurred following iatrogenic immunosuppression using prednisolone and azathioprine for bullous pemphigoid.
Findings:
- Multifocal Kaposi's sarcoma emerged in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy for bullous pemphigoid.
- In one patient, withdrawal of immunosuppressive treatment led to both clinical and histological regression of Kaposi's sarcoma lesions.
Implications:
- This suggests a potential link between immunosuppression for bullous pemphigoid and the development of Kaposi's sarcoma.
- Careful monitoring for Kaposi's sarcoma may be warranted in patients on long-term immunosuppressive therapy for dermatological diseases.
- Discontinuation or reduction of immunosuppression could be a therapeutic strategy for iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma.
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