Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular
tumor linked to the presence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus-8) and the incidence of which has increased considerably the world over after the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Antiretroviral
therapy combined with
cytotoxic agents has been established as the treatment of choice in the past 10 years. Among chemotherapeutic agents,
pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has become the preferred one for patients with HIV-associated
Kaposi's sarcoma in Western countries. The
drug in this formulation localizes better to the
tumor and has higher efficacy. Skin toxicity,
mucositis, and
leukopenia/
neutropenia are the main side effects. Hepatotoxicity and mild
cardiotoxicity are observed less frequently.
Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin impacts favorably on quality of life. Although cost effective in Western countries, the
drug is less so in developing countries.