RADIATION-THERAPY IN ENDEMIC (AFRICAN) KAPOSIS-SARCOMA

Purpose: Evaluating the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of the endemic, African variant of Kaposi's sarcoma. A retrospective anal ysis. Methods and Materials: Between 1978 and 1990, 28 symptomatic Afr ican patients with the African Human Immunodeficiency Virus negative t ype of Kaposi's sarcoma were referred to the Johannesburg General Hosp ital. Following staging, all patients were treated with radiation ther apy. Doses ranged between 8-10 Gy (single fraction) or 14-24 Gy fracti onated over 1-3 weeks. Results: Complete and partial regression of cut aneous lesions was achieved in 9 (32%) and 15 (54%) patients, retrospe ctively. A complete/near-complete alleviation of symptoms was achieved in all patients. Response rate and duration of response was not influ enced by age, radiation modality or schedule. Side effects were minima l. Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the high radiosensitivity of the e ndemic, African type of Kaposi's sarcoma, indicating its usefulness as the treatment of choice for this disease.