Novel pharmacological therapies for the treatment of AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common cancer associated with AIDS. KS aetiology and pathogenesis are still poorly defined and no definitive treatment has yet been identified. However, the introduction in 1996 of highly active antiretroviral therapy as a standard of care for those infected with HIV-1 determined a strong protection against the development of opportunistic infections, as well as a remission of pre-existing complications, including KS. Under highly active antiretroviral therapy, KS in particular has shown the highest clinical response rate reported to date among AIDS patients. Furthermore, recent insights into the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in KS development have provided new hope for a response and improved survival in patients with AIDS-related KS. This paper presents an overview of the current knowledge concerning pharmacological approaches to treating this disease. Newer treatments such as PEGylated liposomal anthracyclin, paclitaxel and pathogenesis-based strategies are also discussed. 2004 © Ashley Publications Ltd.