Case Series of Kaposi Sarcoma in HIV-Negative MSM

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a tumor originating from endothelial cells, both vascular and lymphatic, and is associated with human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). Four distinct KS subtypes have been defined: Classic, endemic, iatrogenic, and epidemic or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. More recently a fifth subtype has been recognized in men having sex with men (MSM) in the absence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.We report here on three cases of KS in HIV-negative MSM and review the literature. Two patients were treated with topical propranolol, with a partial response in one. One patient was treated with pegylated liposomal doxorubicin because of lymphoedema. There was clinical improvement with regression/flattening of multiple lesions as well as symptom relief. Further research into this fifth subtype of KS is warranted as its exact pathogenesis is currently unclear.