Kaposi's sarcoma (overview) C46.-

Kaposi, 1872

Rare multifocal angioproliferative neoplasia occurring primarily in the skin and secondarily also in other organs. Kaposi's sarcoma occurs spontaneously or as part of an HIV infection.

Clinical forms:

1. Classic/sporadic Kaposi's sarcoma: V.a. occurring in men from southeastern Europe; association with HLA DR5; onset beyond 50 years of age. Localization to distal extremities, centripetal spread, organ or mucosa involvement in 5-20% of cases. Usually progression over decades.
2. African/endemic Kaposi's sarcoma: V.a. in African children; skin and lymph node types are distinguished; usually fulminant aggressive course.
3. HIV-associated epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: In AIDS patients(especially male homosexuals). Disseminated skin involvement (extremities, trunk, acras) and mucosal involvement in 30% of patients. Usually variable course, frequent organ involvement (lymph nodes, gastrointestinal tract, lungs). See Table 1.
4. Kaposi's sarcoma in immunosuppressed patients (also iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma): Iatrogenic, after organ transplantation (0.5-5.3% of organ-transplanted patients) or in various diseases, e.g. lupus erythematosus, systemic or severe atopic dermatitis. V.a. in men, similar course to HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.
5. Kaposi's sarcoma in MSM without HIV infection (Kaposi's sarcoma occurring in men who have sex with men and are not HIV infected. It is a new subtype that has been observed more frequently recently. In terms of clinical course, Kaposi sarcoma resembles the classic type and represents an indolent form. Disease severity correlates with CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio).

Staging according to Mitsuyasu and Groopman (stage and clinical findings):

• Stage I: Circumscribed cutaneous (< 10 foci or one anatomic region).
• Stage II: Disseminated cutaneous (> 10 foci or > 1 anatomical region)
• Stage III: Exclusively visceral
• Stage IV: Cutaneous and visceral
  • Stage IV A: Without general symptoms
  • Stage IV B: With fever and/or weight loss.

ACTG staging of HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcomas see Tab.

Incidence (classic Kaposi sarcoma): 1/10 million inhabitants/year. Incidence of HIV-associated epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: Kaposi's sarcoma is the characteristic disease of MSM. In 5-7% of HIV infected persons. Before cART, 20% of men were affected.

Vascular proliferation whose aetiology has not yet been clearly clarified. Among others, genetic disposition (association with HLA-DR5; frequent occurrence in Mediterranean populations), expression of growth factors (especially Oncostatin M, IL-1 beta, Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor), viral genesis (HHV-8) and immunosuppression are discussed. The prevalence of KS in organ transplant patients is 0.5-5.3%, which is 500 times higher than in control groups, and the prevalence of HHV-8 is 20%! In HIV-infected patients with HIV-associated epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma, associations with the tat protein of HIV-1 have been described.
Molecular pathologically, HIV-induced Kaposi's sarcoma is preceded by an inflammatory response due to infection with HHV-8. HHV-8 suppresses the expression of p53 (see below tumour suppressor genes) via its LNA-1 (latent nuclear antigen). Furthermore, it inhibits proliferation blockade by the RB protein (retinoblastoma protein; see below tumour suppressor genes) and transforms endothelial cells with the Ras oncogene(proto-oncogene). As a result, a number of inflammatory cytokines are produced (e.g. TNF-alpha, IL-1 and other interleukins), which initiate the expression of the angiogenic growth factor bFGF (= basic fibroblast growth factor; see growth factors below) by the endothelia, forcing them to proliferate continuously. However, endothelia do not only need a proliferation signal for their growth, but also a topological orientation signal (e.g. fibronectin). The tat protein(= trans-acting transcriptional activator) expressed by HIV-1 viruses mimics this fibronectin effect. Endothelial cells express certain integrins(belonging to the adhesion molecules) which act as tat receptors. At the same time, the tat protein is able to initiate the formation of collagenases so that the neoplastic endothelial cells can infiltrate the collagenous tissue.

Initially brown-red to violet spots, from which plaque-like and nodular tumours develop. Tendency to confluence and formation of new foci in the marginal area. Tendency to ulceration (especially mucous membrane lesions). In case of trunk infestation mostly exanthematic spread of the skin lesions with characteristic arrangement along the skin cleft lines. Disturbed lymph drainage leads to elephantiasis-like oedemas. Infestation of lymph nodes, more rarely of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs or heart is possible.

In the patch and plaque stage , there are in the upper and middle dermis under a mostly unchanged epidermis with orthokeratotic keratinization, blurred proliferates of endothelial cells and fibroblasts; formation of atypical slit-like vascular structures with erythrocyte extravasations and hemosiderin deposits; furthermore, a lymphocytic and macrophagocytic infiltrate is usually detectable.

In the plaque stage spindle cell formations are in the foreground, which are bundled into fascicles or strands that penetrate the entire dermis. The tumor cells are HHV-8, vimentin, in early lesions also factor VIII and CD31 and CD34 positive. Frequently, immunohistological staining is the only way to determine the complete extent of vascularization.

In the nodular or tumor stage , a cell-rich nodule is made up of densely packed turflike fascicles that penetrate the entire dermis. Included are slit-shaped endothelium-free clefts with erythrocyte clusters. Only moderate nuclear atypia. Mitoses are common.

In the lymphangioma-like variant of Kaposi's sarcoma the "angiomatous character" of the new formations is more strongly expressed. There are irregular, partially anastomosing vessels with prominent "hobnail" endothelials. In paraffin sections, HHV8-LNA (latent nuclear antigen) can be detected very reliably in all forms of Kaposi's sarcoma by immunohistiochemical means.

Clinic, histology, skin sonography, exclusion of infestation of internal organs (especially lungs).

Detection of Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus (HHV-8) serologically or from the tissue by means of PCR (diagnostically not necessarily conclusive, as neoplasms such as Castleman's lymphoma or body-cavity based B-cell lymphoma can also be associated with HHV-8).

Classical/sporadic KS:

• Compression bandaging with short-stretch band ages to eliminate lymphedema (see compression therapy).
• Excision if necessary (often only palliative), local recurrence rate high.
• Radiation therapy: Fractionated soft X-ray therapy is used for large or grouped lesions. The KS is very sensitive to radiation; single dose (ED) 3-5 Gy 3 times/week, total therapeutic dose (GHD): 20-30 Gy (30-60 kV); X-ray irradiation of larger foci with a GHD of 30-50 Gy, ED: 5 Gy.
  Linear accelerator (or circulating accelerator): indicated for large Kaposi's sarcomas with a penetration depth < 2 cm and secondary lymphedema due to lymphatic outflow obstruction.
  In case of rapid tumor progression with multilocular occurrence, chemotherapy if necessary (see treatment of HIV-associated KS). Based on our own experience, treatment with liposomal doxorubicin may be recommended in extensive, otherwise refractory, progressive cases.
• Topical application of alitretinoin gel 0.1% (Panretin) for the treatment of manifest classic KS and its relapses.

African KS: Same as classic/sporadic Kaposi's sarcoma.

HIV-associated KS:

• In case of skin involvement only and < 10 lesions:
  • Camouflage (e.g. Dermacolor), especially in cases of cosmetically disturbing changes and lack of desire for therapy.
  • Laser therapy(argon laser) is only suitable for small macular lesions.
  • Cryosurgery (open spray, 2 cycles, 30-60 sec.) only suitable for macular lesions, wound healing 6-8 days, not plantar or genital.
• Soft X-ray therapy: (GD 30 Gy, 43 KV, FHA 15 cm):
  • Fractionation: trunk or extremities: 6 times 5 Gy; face: 10 times 3 Gy; penis: 15 times 2 Gy.
  • In the following cases, a break of at least 2 weeks should be taken after 50% of the total dose: In the area of problematic localizations (plantar, enoral, penis/scrotum, tongue, eyelids, conjunctiva).
  • After and during chemotherapy (risk of increased radiosensitivity).
  • Limits of dermopan irradiation:
  • Diameter > 12 cm
  • Thickness > 1,5 cm
  • Extensive lymphedema
  • Strongly curved surface
  • Enoral: diameter > 2,5 cm
  • Posterior third of the tongue.
  • Side effects: radiodermatitis (2-3 weeks), pigmentary shift, alopecia. Prophylaxis of pigmentation: No simultaneous intake of β-carotene, no UV exposure during and 4 weeks after therapy! Therapy of pigmentation: Vitamin A acid (e.g. Cordes VAS cream) locally.
• Cobalt irradiation: lesions in the area of the oral mucosa and pharynx. Total dose 20 Gy, ED 2 Gy. After 50% of the total dose, at least 2-week break due to risk of mucositis.
• Rapid electron irradiation: Large Kaposi's sarcomas (lower leg, groin region, face, occasionally accompanied by lymphoedema). 20 Gy GHD, ED 2 Gy.
• Intralesional interferon: Only in patients with > 200 CD4 cells/μl. Injection 3 times/week at 1 ml/cm2 for 4 weeks.
• Intralesional chemotherapy (vinblastine or vincristine): dilution 1:9 with 1-2% xylocaine solution. Intralesional injection of 0.5-1 ml/cm2, max 2 mg total dose/session at 3-week intervals. I.d.R. 3 sessions are required.

  Caution. Pain, sensory disturbances, occasionally superficial necrosis. Not indicated in acral localized Kaposi's sarcoma.

• Chemotherapy:
  • Interferon alfa-2a (e.g. Roferon; evidence level B III; remission rate 40-50%): 3-6 million IU s.c./day 3 times weekly. Only in patients with > 200 CD4 cells/μl, as the response rate with fewer CD4 cells is only 7% and always in combination with HAART. Due to influenza NW, administration of paracetamol (ben-u-ron) 1000 mg 1 hr before injection is recommended.
  • Liposomal doxorubicin (e.g. Doxil; evidence level AI; remission rate: 60-80%): 20 mg/m2 KO i.v. every 2 weeks.
  • Alternative: Liposomal daunorubicin (e.g. DaunoXome; evidence level AI; remission rate: approx. 60%) 40 mg/m2 KO i.v. every 2 weeks.
  • Paclitaxel (e.g. Taxol; evidence level BII; remission rate: 50-60%): 100 mg/m2 KO i.v. every 3 weeks.
• Antiretroviral therapy (in HIV infection)
  :Especially after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), regressions of Kaposi's sarcoma have been described. Since HAART has become available, the incidence of KS as an AIDS-defining disease has decreased.
• In organ transplant recipients, ciclosporin-based regimens appear to be associated with a higher risk of KS than azathioprine-based regimens. Switching to mycophenolate mofetil may lead to regression of KS (off-label use).

According to recent studies, CD4 cell count does not affect the prognosis of Kaposi's sarcoma on HAART.

S. Table 2

Stage classification of HIV-associated epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma according to ACTG (AIDS Clinical Trial Group)

• HIV-associated, epidemic Kaposi sarcoma:
• 3-monthly checks of the skin, mucous membranes, lymph nodes
• 6-12-monthly check of the lungs (X-ray thorax) and the GI system (sonography, endoscopy).

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