Local Therapy for Mucocutaneous Kaposi's Sarcoma in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome

BACKGROUND Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) accounts for significant morbidity in AIDS patients. Lesions are often numerous, disfiguring, painful, and may interfere with function. Although generalized therapy is available, local treatment is often more desirable. OBJECTIVE To summarize the available data on local therapy for KS. METHODS Literature was searched using Medline. RESULTS Excision, laser destruction, cryotherapy, intralesional chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy were compared for success rate, cost, and convenience. CONCLUSION Intralesional therapy, cryotherapy, and radiation all have substantial advantages over excision or laser surgery. Choice of the appropriate modality varies with different sites and patients.