Clinical Features, Presence of Human Herpesvirus-8 and Treatment Results in Classic Kaposi Sarcoma

Background and Design: Classic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) occurs predominantly among the elderly, with Jews, Italians and Greeks. Classic KS has been seen relatively frequently in Turkey. Our aim was to evaluate the demographic, clinical features of Kaposi sarcoma and etiopathological role of human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8). Treatment results of 18 classic Kaposi’s sarcoma were also concluded.Material and Method: Eighteen cases of classic Kaposi sarcoma diagnosed as clinically and histopathologically between January 2001 and August 2008 in our dermatology department were taken to this study. Demographic, clinical features and treatment results were reviewed retrospectively in all patients. HHV-8 was investigated in the lesional skin of 7 patients.Results: A male/female ratio of 2/1 was found. Mean age at diagnosis was 67.2 (37-94) years. Bilaterally lower extremities were involved in 15 patients (83.3%), the trunk was involved in 3 patients (16.6%). Plaques and nodules were the common type of lesions (66.6% and 55.5%). Nine patients had no symptoms (50%). Edema was the most common symptom (38.8%). A second primary malignancy was found in 2 patients (11.1%). HHV-8 was detected in 6 of the 7 patients(85.7%). Majority of the patients were treated with interferon alfa (subcutaneously) and cryotherapy as a monotherapy or a combination therapy. Imiquimod was the second agent in combined treatment (27.7%). Conclusion: We suggest that interferon alfa and imiquimod can be used as first line therapy agents with their antiviral and immunmodulatuar features in the treatment of KKS. (Turkderm 2008; 42: 122-6)