Radiotherapy of classic and human immunodeficiency virus-related Kaposi's sarcoma: results in 1482 lesions.

Background: The lesions of the various forms of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), which are relatively radiosensitive, have been treated with different modalities of radiotherapy, with heterogeneous aims and results.

Objective: To verify the effectiveness and safety of radiotherapy on a large number of lesions endowed (classic KS) with a prolonged follow-up.

Methods: A retrospective study was done on 711 lesions of classic KS and 771 lesions of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related KS, treated with traditional X-ray therapy.

Results: In classic KS, a cure rate of 98.7% resulted after 13.5 years from the end of radiotherapy. In three lesions (0.42%) in the same patient, an acute radiodermatitis occurred after traumatic action. In HIV-related KS, a complete remission was obtained in 91.43% of the lesions, partial remission in 6.74% and non-response in 0.51% at 1 to 46 months from the end of radiotherapy.

Conclusion: Radiotherapy showed to be a safe and effective method, with relevant importance in the therapeutic strategy of KS.