What are the treatment options for Kaposi sarcoma?

Treatment options for Kaposi sarcoma vary significantly and depend on several key factors, including the type of Kaposi sarcoma, the number and location of the lesions in the body, the problems these lesions are causing, as well as the patient's overall health status [1]. Treatment may include a combination of approaches such as radiation therapy, surgery, cryotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy [1].

Treatment by Kaposi Sarcoma Type

For individuals with epidemic Kaposi sarcoma (associated with HIV), taking HIV medications may be sufficient to treat the Kaposi sarcoma [1]. For those with iatrogenic Kaposi sarcoma (associated with organ transplantation), adjusting the dosage of medications or switching them may be beneficial [1]. However, some patients in both categories may require additional treatments [1].

Local and Systemic Treatments

Several methods are used to treat Kaposi sarcoma, which can be divided into local treatments that target lesions in a specific area and systemic treatments that affect the entire body:

• Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing [2].
• Surgery: Can be used to remove small and superficial lesions, including local excision or curettage and electrodesiccation [2].
• Cryotherapy: Uses a tool to freeze and destroy abnormal tissue [1].
• Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, or even injected directly into the lesion (intralesional chemotherapy) for localized lesions [2].
• Immunotherapy: A type of treatment that helps the body's immune system fight cancer [1].

Post-Treatment Care and Follow-up

After chemotherapy, patients may experience side effects such as mouth sores, upset stomach, diarrhea, and fatigue [3]. It is very important to follow the self-care instructions provided by the doctor, which may include oral care to prevent infection, avoiding foods and drinks that may be undercooked or spoiled, and washing hands regularly [3]. Patients should also avoid crowds and stay away from people with colds [3].

When to Call the Doctor?

Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience any of the following symptoms after treatment: signs of infection such as fever, chills, sweating, persistent or bloody diarrhea, severe nausea and vomiting, inability to eat or drink, or severe weakness [3]. Redness, swelling, or drainage from an IV site, new skin rashes or blisters, jaundice, abdominal pain, severe persistent headache, worsening cough, difficulty breathing, or burning with urination should also be reported [3].

For additional information about Kaposi sarcoma, you can visit Kaposi Sarcoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment (Arabic).

Medical references

• Kaposi Sarcoma
• Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version
• After chemotherapy - discharge