Efficacy of Immunotherapy with Combination of Cryotherapy and Topical Imiquimod for Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma.
Overview
abstract
Multiple treatment modalities for Kaposi sarcoma (KS) have been reported, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical excision, electrochemotherapy, and cryotherapy. Common topical treatments include timolol, imiquimod, and alitretinoin. We searched our institutional database for patients with ICD-9 or 10 codes for KS seen by a dermatologist with experience in KS management from 7/1/2004-1/1/2022. We screened patient charts to include patients who received combination therapy of cryotherapy followed by topical imiquimod three times a week for two months (n=9). Patients were followed in clinic every three months. Time to resolution was assessed by photographic evidence of resolution as determined by a dermatologist and corroborated with clinical documentation in patient charts. Median age (IQR) at KS diagnosis was 58 (27.5) years. All patients were male (n=9, 100%). Majority were white (n=7, 78%) and non-Hispanic (n=8, 89%). Five (56%) had classic KS, one (11%) had HIV-associated KS, and three (33%) were HIV-negative MSM. Median time to resolution was 30.5 weeks, with a median of two treatments. In our study, 93% (n= 42/45) of lesions and 89% (n= 8/9) of patients experienced complete resolution (CR) during a median (range) duration of follow up of 58 (13-209) weeks. Side effects were limited to pain during cryotherapy, occasional blister formation after cryotherapy, and mild inflammation due to imiquimod. No infections were observed. Combination therapy of cryotherapy and topical imiquimod may be an efficacious and comparatively low-risk treatment for limited, cutaneous KS. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
