AIDS-Related Kaposi Sarcoma in a Tertiary University Hospital in Manila, Philippines: A Report of Six Cases

We report six cases of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) seen at the University of the Philippines–Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary university hospital with a 1,500-bed capacity in Manila, from 2017 to February 2020. All cases involved males (21–47 years old) infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Majority came from Metro Manila and had opportunistic infections at the time of KS diagnosis, most commonly pulmonary tuberculosis. Four patients presented with multiple hyperpigmented cutaneous patches. One patient had both cutaneous lesions and necrotic gingival mass. One patient presented with a gastrointestinal mass. One patient underwent systemic chemotherapy (liposomal doxorubicin) but was eventually lost to follow-up. Although considered the most common tumor arising from HIV-infected persons, KS is considered rare in the Philippines. No studies have been undertaken to determine its incidence. However, the incidence may be expected to rise due to the increasing number of Filipinos diagnosed with HIV daily.