Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related Kaposi's sarcoma of the male genitalia: management with radiation therapy

J Urol. 1991 Aug;146(2):333-6. doi: 10.1016/s0022-5347(17)37785-6.

Abstract

Kaposi's sarcoma of the genitalia is an infrequent complication of the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome but it often is difficult to manage. A total of 19 men (mean age 39 years) with penile and/or scrotal lesions underwent radiotherapy at dosages of 600 to 3,000 cGy. in fractions of 150 to 800 cGy. Of the patients 6 achieved a complete and 10 a partial response, while 2 had no response and 1 died too soon after treatment to be evaluated. Recurrences were noted in 8 patients, 7 of whom received additional radiation (1 patient had 2 recurrences and both responded). Of the retreatments 3 effected complete and 4 partial responses. Over-all, of 25 evaluable treatment courses 9 complete (36%) and 14 partial (56%) responses yielded a total response rate of 92%. There was 1 complication, a skin ulceration. Radiation therapy is well tolerated and will result in effective palliation in the majority of patients with Kaposi's sarcoma of the genitalia.

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / mortality
  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / radiotherapy*
  • Adult
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Genital Neoplasms, Male / etiology
  • Genital Neoplasms, Male / mortality
  • Genital Neoplasms, Male / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Penile Neoplasms / etiology
  • Penile Neoplasms / mortality
  • Penile Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Remission Induction
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / etiology
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / mortality
  • Sarcoma, Kaposi / radiotherapy*
  • Scrotum
  • Skin Neoplasms / etiology
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy*