Treatment of oral Kaposi sarcoma with intralesional vinblastine.

BACKGROUND

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is an acquired immune deficiency syndrome-defining condition in human immunodeficiency virus infection. Oral KS may produce local symptoms and require treatment. Palliation of oral lesions may be achieved with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. This review was conducted to assess the effect of intralesional vinblastine in the management of oral KS.

METHODS

Patients were referred because of oral KS. Intralesional injection of vinblastine (0.2 mg/ml) was conducted under local anesthesia, and patients were observed to determine the effect of treatment.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with oral KS were treated with intralesional vinblastine. A greater than 50% reduction in the lesions was seen in 74% of patients. The mean duration of response was 3.52 months for all patients. For patients not lost to follow-up and observed until recurrence of the oral lesions, palliation was achieved for a mean of 4.25 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective local palliation of oral KS can be achieved with intralesional injection of vinblastine.