Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV-Negative MSM

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is associated with human herpesvirus (HHV-8) infection, which appears to be necessary but not sufficient for development of this cancer. In the U.S. and northern Europe, the seroprevalence of HHV-8 infection is <5% in the general population but about 25% among men who have sex with men (MSM). Based on this high seroprevalence, one might expect MSM to be at risk for developing KS and other HHV-8–related conditions, such as Castleman disease.

Investigators in Paris recently described 28 HIV-negative MSM with histologically proven KS (mean age at diagnosis, 56). Their mean CD4-cell count and CD4:CD8-cell ratio were normal. Most patients had limited cutaneous disease; no patient was diagnosed with visceral KS. Twenty-two pati…