Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma
KSHV, the virus that causes Kaposi, cannot be treated. Once you contract KSHV, you will always have it. Treatment for Kaposi sarcoma is focused on managing symptoms and treating the cancer. The best approach will depend on your specific diagnosis and the extent of the disease.

Experts advise against regarding the disease as localized, even if it physically appears to be so. It should be treated with the assumption that it has spread beyond any visible signs.

The following treatment strategies may be used for patients with Kaposi sarcoma:

Improving immune system function.The most effective and important therapy for patients with Kaposi sarcoma is addressing the immune deficiency that may allow the cancer to grow.

For AIDS patients, the same antiretroviral therapy used for AIDS may be all that’s needed to treat Kaposi sarcoma. For transplant recipients, changing or decreasing the dosage of immunosuppressant drugs may be recommended. The top priority in treating Kaposi sarcoma patients is strengthening the immune system. Additional treatments such as chemotherapy are not tolerated for long periods in people with existing immunity concerns.

Local therapies. Some doctors may suggest topical treatments including injection of chemotherapy directly into lesions, cryosurgery, excisions, phototherapy or local radiation when there are only a few small lesions.

Chemotherapy. Patients who do not see improvement in Kaposi sarcoma after addressing immune deficiencies may require chemotherapy as a follow-up treatment. Chemotherapy is usually administered intravenously, although some oral therapies are now being used.

Immunotherapy. This type of treatment works by activating the immune system’s natural ability to fight cancer. Since it has already proven to be effective in treating many types of cancer, researchers are studying its application in Kaposi sarcoma treatment. Ask your doctor about clinical trials for immunotherapy and other emerging treatment approaches.