Cutaneous and subcutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma lesions treated with electrochemotherapy

Abstract

Background and Objectives Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a locally aggressive mesenchymal tumor that involves the lymphovascular system, with a tendency to become multifocal. Electrochemotherapy (ECT) is considered a valuable treatment option in selected patients with cutaneous and subcutaneous KS lesions.Methods We report a retrospective study that included 14 classic and endemic KS patients that underwent ECT sessions for the treatment of KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions at our institution. ResultsAccording to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1 criteria, our patients had an overall response rate (ORR) of 100% to the ECT treatment. A complete response (CR) was obtained in 92.8% of patients after one or more ECT sessions. Only one patient had a progressive disease (PD). The treatment was well tolerated with a low complication rate, mainly transitory local pain or skin ulceration.Conclusions ECT represents a locoregional therapy for containment and symptomatic control of classic and endemic KS cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions. Further studies including different subtypes of KS patients should also be performed.

Combining superselective catheterization and electrochemotherapy: A new technological approach to the treatment of high-flow head and neck vascular malformations

“…ECT is also used in treating vascular tumors such as Kaposi sarcoma with excellent results. In the treatment of Kaposi, objective and complete response rates are 100% and 92,8%, respectively ( 43 ). Such promising results support our concept of combining superselective catheterization and ECT as a possible efficient treatment of high-flow vascular malformations.…”

Bleomycin electrosclerotherapy (BEST) for the treatment of vascular malformations. An International Network for Sharing Practices on Electrochemotherapy (InspECT) study group report

“…Electrochemotherapy is safely applied to palliate bleeding cutaneous metastases and treat vascular tumors e.g., Kaposi sarcoma, superficial angiosarcoma 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 and highly vascularized liver metastases. 35 , 36 Bleeding after the insertion of needle electrodes quickly stops due to vascular lock.…”