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Kaposi Sarcoma Treatment

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By Editorial Team

3 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2025 | Last updated: May 2025

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a type of cancer that can affect the skin, the lining of the mouth, the nose, and throat, and other organs. It can cause purple, red, or brown blotches or tumors to grow under the skin. Sometimes, it can cause tumors in the lymph nodes and other organs.1

There are 2 main types of KS:1

  • Classic Kaposi sarcoma
  • Epidemic Kaposi sarcoma (HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma)

Because those living with HIV/AIDS have a weakened immune system, they are at an increased risk of developing KS. For those with HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma, treatment often involves improving the immune function with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This may reduce the size of Kaposi sarcoma lesions.1,2

Goals of Kaposi sarcoma treatment

The goal of KS treatment is to control the cancer. Doctors want to slow down or stop the growth of the tumors. They also want to ease any symptoms the cancer causes. The best treatment depends on:1,2

  • The type of KS
  • Where the tumors are located
  • Issues resulting from the cancer
  • Your overall health

There are several ways to treat KS. Doctors may use 1 or more of the following treatment methods.1-3

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Treatment for small skin lesions

This treatment targets the tumors directly. Local therapies include:1-3

  • Cryotherapy – This uses extreme cold to freeze and destroy the tumors. It is often used for small skin lesions.
  • Curettage and electrodesiccation – A curette, a sharp, spoon-shaped instrument, is used to scrape away the KS tumor from the skin. Following curettage, electrodesiccation uses an electric current to destroy any remaining cancer cells at the base of the wound.
  • Excision – Doctors may cut out the tumors. This is usually for single or few tumors.
  • Topical medicines – Certain medicines can be applied directly to the skin lesions. One example is alitretinoin (Panretin®). It is only used if systemic therapy is not needed.

Treatment for many skin lesions

This treatment works throughout the whole body:1-3

  • Chemotherapy – This uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given as a pill, through a vein, or injected into the lesion. It is often used for more advanced KS or KS that is spreading.
  • Radiation therapy – This uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used for larger tumors or tumors in hard-to-reach places.
  • Targeted therapy – Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, targeted therapies interfere with specific areas of cancer cells that are involved in cell growth, or focus on specific features that are unique to cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are 2 types of targeted therapy being studied in treating KS.
  • Immunotherapy – This helps the body's immune system fight cancer. Some immunotherapy drugs are used to treat KS.
  • Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) – This is used for HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma. ART helps to control HIV. By controlling HIV/AIDS, it can also help to slow down or stop the growth of KS tumors.

Things to consider

People with Kaposi sarcoma should work closely with their doctor. It is important to find a doctor who has experience treating KS. The doctor will create a treatment plan that is right for you.1-3

Here are some things to think about:1-3

  • Type of KS – Different types of KS need different treatments. Classic KS typically needs localized therapies, but may need additional treatment. HIV-associated KS often needs HAART in addition to other procedures.
  • Stage of KS – Early-stage KS may be treated with local therapy. Advanced KS may need systemic therapy.
  • Overall health – A person's health can affect what treatments are safe and effective.
  • Side effects – All cancer treatments can cause side effects. Doctors will try to minimize side effects.
  • Follow-up care – After treatment, people with KS need regular checkups. This helps to monitor that the cancer is not worsening.

It is important to talk to a doctor about all treatment options. People should ask questions and learn as much as they can about their cancer. This will help them make informed decisions about their care.

Treatment results and side effects can vary from person to person. This treatment information is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Talk to your doctor about what to expect before starting and while taking any treatment.