TREATMENT OF HIV-ASSOCIATED KAPOSIS-SARCOMA WITH PACLITAXEL

We investigated whether paclitaxel was active in AIDS-associated Kapos i's sarcoma. We gave 135 mg/m(2) intravenously over 3 hours every 21 d ays. Follow-up is available on the first 20 patients, mast of whom had advanced Kaposi's sarcoma and severe immunocompromise. Neutropenia wa s the most frequent dose-limiting toxic effect; novel toxic effects in cluded late fevers, rash, and eosinophilia. Creatinine increased in 2 patients and 1 patient had cardiomyopathy. There were 13 partial respo nses (65%, 95% CI 41-85%). All 5 patients with pulmonary involvement r esponded. Paclitaxel appeals to be active against Kaposi's sarcoma as a single agent. Further studies, including a randomised trial, are war ranted.