Development of Kaposi's sarcoma under sirolimus-based immunosuppression and successful treatment with imiquimod

Transpl Infect Dis. 2008 Feb;10(1):59-62. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2007.00239.x. Epub 2007 Apr 11.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm typically observed in the immunocompromised patient populations, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or transplant patients. KS can appear simultaneously at multiple sites as red to purple, maculo-papular or nodular cutaneous lesions sometimes showing a visceral extension. Sirolimus, an immunosuppressive agent with potent antitumor activity, has been effective in combating post-transplant KS. However, an aggressive regimen of immunosuppression for therapy of severe acute rejection episodes may abolish the antitumor effects of sirolimus. The following is a description of KS development under immunosuppressive therapy with sirolimus, and the successful treatment of KS lesions utilizing the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aminoquinolines / administration & dosage
  • Aminoquinolines / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Graft Rejection / drug therapy
  • Herpesvirus 8, Human / isolation & purification
  • Humans
  • Imiquimod
  • Immunosuppression Therapy
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / chemically induced
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / drug therapy
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi* / virology
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Aminoquinolines
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Imiquimod
  • Sirolimus