Endemic Kaposi sarcoma presenting as individual cutaneous lesions can be addressed with targeted local therapy. Several modalities are available — used alone or in combination — to achieve measurable regression of affected lesions.
Individual cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma lesions, which may present as superficial macular and plaque forms or as large-area involvement with edematous swelling and/or lymph node involvement. KS-associated lymphedema of the extremities may also be present alongside the cutaneous disease.
Local therapy targets individual cutaneous KS lesions, and multiple modalities may be applied in combination. Given the high radiosensitivity of Kaposi sarcoma, radiotherapy is among the most effective local options across KS subtypes. Beyond radiotherapy, the structured protocol includes additional local interventions — topical and minimally invasive approaches — selected according to lesion characteristics.
Regression of treated Kaposi sarcoma lesions as assessed by clinical examination: reduction in size, thickness, and coloration of the tumors, and reduction of edema.
DOI: 10.1111/ddg.14788
Numerous local treatment options are available for the treatment of individual cutaneous KS lesions, ranging from camouflage, excision, cryotherapy, radiotherapy or intralesional injections of chemotherapeutic agents, to topical therapies with various externals, which can also be used in combination.
Due to the high radiosensitivity of KS, radiotherapy is among the most effective local treatments for all KS subtypes.
Treatment response is assessed by clinical examination of the lesions. In addition to subjective parameters, the size, thickness and coloration of the tumors as well as the presence of edema serve as criteria.
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