LIPOSOMAL DAUNORUBICIN TREATMENT OF HIV-ASSOCIATED KAPOSIS-SARCOMA

Compared with conventional chemotherapy, use of liposomes loaded with therapeutic agents is less toxic and more effective in experimental tu mours in vivo. We have assessed efficacy and toxicity of liposomal dau norubicin (40 mg/m2 every 2 weeks) in 25 patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma of poor prognosis. In 24 evaluable patients, there we re 2 complete remissions (8.3%) and 13 partial remissions (54.2%). 5 o f 11 patients with doxorubicin-resistant Kaposi's sarcoma had partial remissions. Median duration of response was 12 weeks. Quality of life improved after treatment with a response rate of 71% for physical perf ormance and 74% for emotion. Myelosuppression was the commonest advers e event. Vomiting, stomatitis, and alopecia were rare and mild. Liposo mal daunorubicin is safe and effective in HIV-associated Kaposi's sarc oma and improves quality of life. The treatment is effective even in p atients resistant to other chemotherapy.