Kaposi Meets Vincristine

Intralesional vincristine was associated with a high rate of remission of lesions.

Nodules of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) result from human herpesvirus 8 infection. Among the four types of KS are AIDS-related KS, associated with immunosuppression due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and classic KS, which is rare, appears most often in elderly men, and is classified by stage. Patients with stage 1B classic KS typically have rapidly growing nodules on the lower limbs without other complications or visceral involvement. Effective local treatment prevents ulceration, bleeding, pain, and cosmetic disfigurement. Anecdotal reports suggest that injection of the vinca alkaloid vincristine sulfate into KS nodules produces remission.

To determine the efficacy and safety of intralesional vincristine, investigators prospectively enrolled…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)