Response to Liposomal Doxorubicin and Clinical Outcome of HIV-1–Infected Patients with Kaposi’s Sarcoma Receiving Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

AbstractPurpose: HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) may not resolve despite highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Moreover, the therapeutic goal has shifted from palliative care to long-term durable complete remission. The objective of the study was to assess the impact of liposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of HIV-associated KS in the HAART era. Method: In this prospective, noncomparative, multicenter study, patients with more than 10 cutaneous lesions or visceral disease were treated with 20 mg/m2 of liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx®) every 3 weeks in addition to their antiretroviral therapy. In addition to tumor measurements and laboratory tests, human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was performed. Results: Out of 79 participants enrolled in the study, 47 (59%) had stage T1 , 41 (52%) I1 , and 32 (40%) S1 . Nine individuals were not evaluable for response, 32 (40%) had complete response, 30 (38%) partial response, 5 (6%) stab...