Radiation therapy in endemic (African) Kaposi's sarcoma.

Objective: Evaluating the role of radiation therapy in the treatment of the endemic, African variant of Kaposi's sarcoma. A retrospective analysis.

Methods: Between 1978 and 1990, 28 symptomatic African patients with the African Human Immunodeficiency Virus negative type of Kaposi's sarcoma were referred to the Johannesburg General Hospital. Following staging, all patients were treated with radiation therapy. Doses ranged between 8-10 Gy (single fraction) or 14-24 Gy fractionated over 1-3 weeks.

Results: Complete and partial regression of cutaneous lesions was achieved in 9 (32%) and 15 (54%) patients, retrospectively. A complete/near-complete alleviation of symptoms was achieved in all patients. Response rate and duration of response was not influenced by age, radiation modality or schedule. Side effects were minimal.

Conclusions: Our study emphasizes the high radiosensitivity of the endemic, African type of Kaposi's sarcoma, indicating its usefulness as the treatment of choice for this disease.