Evaluation of 14 patients performed radiotherapy due to Kaposi sarcoma

• Main Authors: Fatma Teke, Zeynep Meltem Akkurt, Özgür Yıldırım, Memik Teke, Seyit Burhanedtin Zincircioğlu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dicle University Medical School 2015-09-01
• Series: Dicle Medical Journal
• Subjects: Kaposi's sarcoma; radiotherapy
• Online Access: http://www.diclemedj.org/upload/sayi/37/Dicle%20Med%20J-02405.pdf
• ISSN: 1300-2945; 1308-9889

Methods: The patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) because of the KS between the years 2005-2012 in Radiation Oncology Department of Dicle University Hospital were included. All patients underwent RT with different dose-fractionation schemes to increase quality of life and to palliate the symptoms. Patients with lesions in multiple regions underwent RT in the same or different dates. Responses to radiotherapy were recorded as complete or partial response. Results: Fourteen patients received radiotherapy because of f KS were evaluated retrospectively. Twenty two different regions of 14 patients underwent RT . Only one patient (4.5%) was performed RT to glans penis as a third region while performed to the two regions in six patients (27.3%). At irradiations, 6 MV and 10 MV photon energies with 6 MeV, 9 MeV and 12 MeV electron energy were used. Water phantom or bolus material was used to obtain a homogeneous dose distribution in the photon irradiation. RT dose administered to a total of 22 different regional was median 800 cGy (Range: 800-3000 cGy). Median number of RT fractions was 1 (Range: 1-10). When treatment response were evaluated stable disease was present in the 4 (18.1%) regions. Partial response was achieved in eight (36.4%) regions, complete response in 10 (45.5%). RT-related common lymphedema in the feet and legs was observed in the four (57.3%) regions in the acute period. Complication of pain was present in two (28.7%) regions. Conclusion: RT is an appropriate and effective treatment regimen in the palliative treatment of KS lesions. Excellent response rates of skin lesions may be obtained by RT. Lesions and symptoms such as itching may be lost after RT. Side effects such as edema and pain may be relieved by supportive treatment.