Local therapy for mucocutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) accounts for significant morbidity in AIDS patients. Lessons are often numerous, disfiguring, painful, and may interfere with function. Although generalized therapy is available, local treatment is often more desirable.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the available data on local therapy for KS.

METHODS

Literature was searched using Medline.

RESULTS

Excision, laser destruction, cryotherapy, intralesional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy were compared for success rate, cost, and convenience.

CONCLUSION

Intralesional therapy, cryotherapy, and radiation all have substantial advantages over excision or laser surgery. Choice of the appropriate modality varies with different sites and patients.