Endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma: clinical and therapeutic implications. 10-year experience in the Johannesburg Hospital (1980-1990).

Endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma is a common neoplastic disorder in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. We present a retrospective analysis of 47 black patients with the endemic African (HIV-negative) variant of Kaposi's sarcoma treated and followed up in the Johannesburg General Hospital between 1980 and 1990. Four patients (8%) presented with simultaneous Kaposi's sarcoma plus malignant lymphoma, indicating a low but significant association with lymphoproliferative disorders. Of 47 patients seen, 29 presented with localized disease and were treated by means of local radiation therapy. Seventeen patients received chemotherapy. The objective response rate was > 80% irrespective of the treatment modality. We conclude that endemic African Kaposi's sarcoma is a chemo- and radiosensitive tumour.