Abstract
Background: Although Kaposi’s sarcoma is the most common neoplasm in association with AIDS, classic Kaposi’s sarcoma is rare. The best treatment modality is still unclear. Methods: Between December 1993 and December 1995, 42 fields in 12 patients with Kaposi’s sarcoma were treated at our department. Only 3 patients had a history of renal transplantation and immunosuppressive treatment. A single dose of 800 cGy with 4-6 MeV electron beams was delivered to all patients. Results: Complete response rates at the 1st, 6th and 12th months after treatment were 45.2, 62 and 89.7%, respectively. Side effects included various degrees of hyperpigmentation and mild edema and fibrosis in 1 patient. Conclusion: Our results suggest that a single application of 800 cGy is as effective as a more protracted course of radiotherapy with a comparable complication rate.