Epidemic AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma in southern Africa: experience at the Johannesburg General Hospital (1980-1990).

Epidemic acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma (AKS) in tropical and southern Africa is a highly varied neoplastic disease, characterized by multifocal mucocutaneous, lymphatic and visceral involvement. It follows a clinical course similar to AKS in Europe and the USA. However, lack of adequate medical facilities in many African countries hampers successful palliation of this fatal disease. In this retrospective analysis, we summarize our experience with 52 patients with AKS treated at Johannesburg General Hospital, South Africa, between 1980 and 1990. Radiation therapy can provide good to excellent palliation with only minimal side-effects, producing a lesser impact on the haematological and immunological system than chemotherapy.