EFFECT OF INTERFERON-ALPHA ON HIGH SERUM ANDROGEN CONCENTRATIONS IN HIV-POSITIVE MEN WITH KAPOSIS-SARCOMA

Aim-To measure serum androgen concentrations in men with HIV related K aposi's sarcoma (KS) who had been treated with recombinant interferon (IFN) alpha-2a to determine the role of androgens on the development o f KS lesions. Methods-32 men with HIV related KS who had been treated with IFN were studied: 24 men in complete KS remission and eight not i n remission. Serum androgen concentrations were determined before, dur ing, and after IFN treatment and correlated with clinical remission. R esults-All patients in complete KS remission had lower serum androgen concentrations following IFN treatment: -51% for dehydroepiandrosteron e (DHEA) (p < 0.0001); -38% for DHEA sulphate (p < 0.002); -39% for an drostenedione (p < 0.002); and -44% for testosterone (p < 0.007). Thes e decreases brought the serum concentrations to about normal levels. H owever, IFN had varying effects on serum androgen concentrations in th e men not in remission: a small decrease, a increase in one androgen, or no change in serum androgens. Conclusions-The association between s erum androgen levels and the progression or remission of HIV associate d KS suggests that androgens affect the development of KS lesions. A c lear understanding of the changes in the androgen environment may prov ide a sound basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.