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Development of Kaposi's sarcoma under sirolimus‐based immunosuppression and successful treatment with imiquimod
Author(s) -
Babel N.,
Eibl N.,
Ulrich C.,
Bold G.,
Sefrin A.,
Hammer M.H.,
Rosenberger C.,
Reinke P.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
transplant infectious disease
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.69
H-Index - 67
eISSN - 1399-3062
pISSN - 1398-2273
DOI - 10.1111/j.1399-3062.2007.00239.x
Subject(s) - sirolimus , imiquimod , medicine , immunosuppression , sarcoma , immune system , regimen , kaposi's sarcoma , dermatology , immunology , pathology , human herpesvirus
Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm typically observed in the immunocompromised patient populations, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or transplant patients. KS can appear simultaneously at multiple sites as red to purple, maculo‐papular or nodular cutaneous lesions sometimes showing a visceral extension. Sirolimus, an immunosuppressive agent with potent antitumor activity, has been effective in combating post‐transplant KS. However, an aggressive regimen of immunosuppression for therapy of severe acute rejection episodes may abolish the antitumor effects of sirolimus. The following is a description of KS development under immunosuppressive therapy with sirolimus, and the successful treatment of KS lesions utilizing the topical application of imiquimod 5% cream, an immune response modifier.