The Effect of Immunosuppression on Kaposi Sarcoma: A Case Series

Abstract

Kaposi sarcoma (K.S) is a rare type of cancer with four clinical variants which has a link to Human Herpes Virus (HHV-8) in the etiology. Commonly seen are the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) -related variants. Kaposi Sarcoma occurring after solid-organ transplant is a cause of public health concern as immunosuppressive medications especially the Calcineurin inhibitors play a key role in the development of Kaposi Sarcoma after organ transplantation. In this series, six patients with Kaposi Sarcoma were presented. Four patients had retro-viral disease; sero-positive to HIV 1 & 2 who were not compliant with their Highly Active Retro-viral Therapy (HAART), a male patient with post-transport K.S, and a case of suspected classic K.S. In patients with Kaposi Sarcoma, early detection and switching Transplant recipient on Calcineurin inhibitors to mTOR inhibitors are basic parameters for successful management.