Intralesional Vinblastine Injections for Treatment of Classic Kaposi Sarcoma in Diabetic Patients
Classic Kaposi sarcoma (KS) usually is a localized and slowly progressing disease that mainly affects elderly patients; therefore, local treatment generally is recommended. In this study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of intralesional vinblastine (VNB) for the treatment of classic KS in 6 participants with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results indicated that intralesional VNB injections may be an effective alternative treatment of classic KS in diabetic patients.
Practice Points
- Intralesional injection of low-dose vinblastine is a safe therapy for localized nodular Kaposi sarcoma (KS)(classic type).
- The best candidates for localized therapy are patients affected by nodular classic KS without visceral involvement, with fewer than 10 lesions on acral sites.
Conclusion
Standard treatments of KS lesions such as radiotherapy, surgery, and chemotherapy are associated with more severe adverse events, especially in diabetic patients, as well as higher costs due to the use of more sophisticated techniques and equipment. Because KS is a multicentric disease, local therapy should not be expected to prevent the development of new lesions on other sites of the skin or internal disease. The best candidates for localized therapy are patients affected by nodular classic KS without visceral involvement, with fewer than 10 lesions on acral sites.
