Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS), a tumor associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV8) infection, can manifest with cutaneous and/or visceral lesions.  KS is classified into 4 subtypes including classical, endemic, iatrogenic, and AIDS-related KS.  The mucocutaneous involvement in AIDS-related KS, the most common subtype during the AIDS era, frequently and rapidly progresses from solitary or few small lesions to multiple plaque and nodular lesions affecting the upper trunk, face, and oral mucosa.  KS in non-HIV-infected immunocompetent individuals is very rare, especially in Thailand, a non-endemic country.  The mode of treatment of KS varies, depending on the subtype, the extent of lesions, and the presence or absence of visceral involvement.  Antiviral therapy is generally of no proven benefit in the treatment of KS.  Radiotherapy, cytotoxic drugs, (such as liposomal anthracyclines, paclitaxel, vinca alkaloids, and bleomycin), or biologic agents including interferon alfa, is the treatment of choice of KS.  (J Infect Dis Antimicrob Agents 2015;32:77-81.)