Open AccessSafety and efficacy of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma
Author(s) -
Francesca Cainelli,
Alfredo Vallone
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
biologics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.948
H-Index - 38
eISSN - 1177-5491
pISSN - 1177-5475
DOI - 10.2147/btt.2009.3455
Subject(s) - doxorubicin , sarcoma , medicine , human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) , liposome , virology , chemotherapy , pathology , biology , biochemistry
Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumor linked to the presence of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus-8) and the incidence of which has increased considerably the world over after the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Antiretroviral therapy combined with cytotoxic agents has been established as the treatment of choice in the past 10 years. Among chemotherapeutic agents, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has become the preferred one for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in Western countries. The drug in this formulation localizes better to the tumor and has higher efficacy. Skin toxicity, mucositis, and leukopenia/neutropenia are the main side effects. Hepatotoxicity and mild cardiotoxicity are observed less frequently. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin impacts favorably on quality of life. Although cost effective in Western countries, the drug is less so in developing countries.