A retrospective analysis of thalidomide therapy in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
Kľúčové slová
Abstrakt
BACKGROUND
Thalidomide has antiangiogenic and immunomodulatory properties and has recently been used in the management of human malignancies. Several studies have suggested its interest for treating AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of thalidomide, an antiangiogenic agent, for the treatment of non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma.
METHODS
Eleven patients were included in this retrospective study conducted in the Department of Dermatology of Saint Louis, Paris, between 2000 and 2003. Among them, 2 were immunosuppressed (1 renal transplant recipient and 1 patient with microscopic polyangiitis treated by oral steroids) with stable immunosuppressive regimens during the past 6 months. The median daily thalidomide dosage was 100 mg and the median duration of drug treatment was 16 weeks.
RESULTS
Three patients achieved a partial response and 4 had a stable disease. Although no grade 3 or 4 was observed, 3 (27%) out of 11 patients prematurely discontinued thalidomide because of grade 1 sensory neuropathy (paresthesia) and vertigo.
CONCLUSIONS
Our results show a true although modest interest of thalidomide in non-HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma and prompt us to evaluate less toxic thalidomide analogues for this indication.
