Abstract
Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumour caused by KS-associated herpesvirus and is an AIDS-defining illness. Despite a decline in incidence since the introduction of combination anti-retroviral therapy, KS remains the most common cancer in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review reflects on recent epidemiological data as well as current management, unmet needs and future perspectives in the treatment of HIV-associated KS with particular emphasis on the potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Highlights
Introduction and contextKaposi sarcoma (KS) is an angio-proliferative disorder that was first described in its classic form by the Hungarian physician Moritz Kaposi in 1872
It is categorised in different disease types that are all aetiologically associated with KS-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8)
The malignant cell of KS is the spindle cell which is infected by KSHV and is believed to be of lymphatic endothelial origin
Summary
The introduction of cART has not resolved the challenge of HIV-associated KS. Unmet needs include access to liposomal anthracycline chemotherapy in sub-Saharan Africa for patients with advanced disease and the development of new treatment strategies for patients with cART-refractory KS who are currently intermittently treated long term with potentially toxic chemotherapy. The immune checkpoint inhibitor certainly represents a very interesting area to explore further given the parallel potential as an HIV cure strategy. Grant information The author(s) declared that no grants were involved in supporting this work
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
