Kaposi sarcoma
HHV-8-driven vascular tumour in HIV, transplant recipients and older men of Mediterranean descent; violaceous plaques, biopsy with LANA-1 staining, HIV testing for everyone, ART first, liposomal doxorubicin for advanced disease, sirolimus switch after transplant, and avoiding steroids.
Tier 2Condition
Written with AI assistance and fact-checked against the sources below. For exam study, not clinical decisions. How notes are made
At a glance
- Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a low-grade vascular tumour of lymphatic endothelial origin driven by human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8, also called KSHV). HHV-8 infection is necessary but not enough; immune suppression lets it grow.
- Classic look: violaceous macules, plaques or nodules on the legs, face, trunk and hard palate, sometimes with lymphoedema.
- Biopsy confirms it. Every patient needs an HIV test.
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Sources
- Lebbé C et al. Diagnosis and treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma: European consensus-based interdisciplinary guideline (EDF/EADO/EORTC). Eur J Cancer 2019;114:117-27European Journal of Cancer, 2019 (no newer European version found, Europe PMC search November 2026)
- PBS item 6249X: doxorubicin hydrochloride (as pegylated liposomal), Kaposi sarcomaAU/NZPharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, Australian Government, checked November 2026 (S100 Highly Specialised Drugs, streamlined authority)
- Stallone G et al. Sirolimus for Kaposi's sarcoma in renal-transplant recipients. N Engl J Med 2005;352:1317-23New England Journal of Medicine, 2005
- Cianfrocca M et al. Randomized trial of paclitaxel versus pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for advanced HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma. Cancer 2010;116:3969-77Cancer, 2010
- HIV management in Australasia guidanceAU/NZAustralasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), current online edition
- Last updated
- 14 November 2026
What changed
- 14 November 2026 Personal emails, About story and Australian-style copy