Current Approaches to Treating Kaposi Sarcoma

Here we present two case vignettes highlighting the clinical problem of Kaposi sarcoma. We then provide a primer on current treatment approaches.

Case 1: A 26-year-old HIV-infected man with a history of poor adherence to antiretrovirals and a CD4 count of 30 cells/mm³ presents with rectal bleeding, fever, and shortness of breath. He is found to have diffuse lymphadenopathy, pulmonary nodules, proctocolitis, a rectal mass, liver lesions, thrombocytopenia, and hyperpigmented skin nodules. Endoscopy reveals nodular lesions in the esophagus and duodenum (see images), and pathologic reports from lymph-node and colon biopsies indicate Kaposi sarcoma (KS).

Case 2: A 37-year-old HIV-infected man with a CD4 count of 13 cells/mm³ starts antiretroviral therapy (ART), as well as dapsone for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia prophylaxis. Two weeks later, he presents with acute dyspnea and cyanosis …

Authors

Brian R. Wood, MD

Paul E. Sax, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardGilead Sciences; GlaxoSmithKline/ViiV; Merck; Shionogi

Grant/Research SupportNIH; Gilead Sciences; ViiV

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Clinical Infectious Diseases

Paul E. Sax, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardGilead Sciences; GlaxoSmithKline/ViiV; Merck; Shionogi

Grant/Research SupportNIH; Gilead Sciences; ViiV

Editorial BoardsUpToDate; Clinical Infectious Diseases

Current Approaches to Treating Kaposi Sarcoma

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