|
This information represents
the views of the doctors and nurses serving on the American Cancer
Society's Cancer Information Database Editorial Board. These views are
based on their interpretation of studies published in medical journals,
as well as their own professional experience.
The treatment information
in this document is not official policy of the Society and is not
intended as medical advice to replace the expertise and judgment of
your cancer care team. It is intended to help you and your family make
informed decisions, together with your doctor.
Your doctor may
have reasons for suggesting a treatment plan different from these
general treatment options. Don't hesitate to ask him or her questions
about your treatment options.
Treatment for KS is more effective than it was a couple of
decades ago. Doctors now better understand what causes KS. Many
clinical trials have been done to compare different approaches to
treatment. Doctors have much more experience with KS than they did when
this disease was quite rare. Choices about the best treatment options
for each patient are based on the function of the immune system as well
as the number, location and size of the KS lesions. The patient's
general condition is also a major factor. The presence and severity of
other serious medical conditions can make some treatments a poor
choice. Some of the treatments used for KS are surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation therapy, and biological therapy. In some cases, 2 or more of
these treatments are used together.
Treating immune deficiency and related
infections
The most important treatment for KS is to treat any immune
deficiency that exists as well as any related infections. In people
with AIDS, this means using highly active antiretroviral therapy
(HAART) (specific anti-HIV drugs). For many AIDS patients with KS,
HAART may be the only treatment needed. for the KS. In organ-transplant
patients who are immune suppressed because they are taking medicines,
decreasing or changing the drugs may be helpful. New KS lesions are
more likely to develop when a patient's blood test results for KS
herpesvirus (KSHV) are positive. The risk of developing new lesions is
lower when antiviral medicines such as ganciclovir or foscarnet are
used. In contrast, existing lesions are relatively resistant to
treatment with antiviral agents. KS lesions tend to get worse when
patients develop infections with bacteria. Therefore, it is very
important to take measures to prevent bacterial infections and to treat
them promptly and effectively if they do occur.
Revised: 03/14/2006
|