Cutaneous and subcutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions treated with electrochemotherapy.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor that involves the lymphovascular system, with a tendency to become multifocal. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is considered a valuable treatment option in selected patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous KS lesions. We report a retrospective study that included 14 classic and endemic KS patients that underwent ECT sessions for the treatment of KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions at our institution. According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 criteria, our patients had an overall response rate (ORR) of 100% to the ECT treatment. A complete response (CR) was obtained in 92.8% of patients after one or more ECT sessions. Only one patient had a progressive disease (PD). The treatment was well tolerated with a low complication rate, mainly transitory local pain or skin ulceration. ECT represents a locoregional therapy for containment and symptomatic control of classic and endemic KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions. Further studies including different subtypes of KS patients should also be performed.