Long-term follow-up of non-HIV Kaposi's sarcoma treated with low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b.

BACKGROUND AND

DESIGN

We reviewed the follow-up of 16 patients with Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus (13 with classic Kaposi's sarcoma and three with endemic Kaposi's sarcoma; median age, 58 years) treated by low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b (5 million U three times weekly for at least 6 months).

RESULTS

One patient had a complete response, nine had a major response, three had stable disease, and one had a minor response. Visceral disease stabilized and symptoms improved in three patients. Limited relapse was noted in four patients after withdrawal of interferon.

CONCLUSION

Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of low-dose recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the long-term treatment of both cutaneous and visceral lesions of Kaposi's sarcoma not related to human immunodeficiency virus.