Kaposi's sarcoma natural history

The prognosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) depends on its histological type, whether the cancer has spread, and the general health status of the patient. When stratified by age, the 5-year relative survival of patients with Kaposi sarcoma was 68.6% and 87.5% for patients <65 and ≥ 65 years of age respectively.

Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) infection does not always lead to KS; it is still unclear what other factors may be required, such as preexisting immune system damage, or a specific interaction with HIV or other viruses. However, research in Africa has shown that even in the absence of HIV/AIDS, KS is more common in men than women although KSHV infection is equal between both sexes. This suggests that sex hormones may either protect from or predispose to KS in persons infected with the virus. Growth can range from very slow to explosively fast, and be associated with significant mortality and morbidity.^[1]

The prognosis of Kaposi’s sarcoma depends on the following:

• The type of Kaposi sarcoma
• Whether the cancer has spread
• Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred
• The patient’s general health, especially the immune system

• Between 2004 and 2010, the 5-year relative survival of patients with Kaposi sarcoma was 72%.^[1]

• When stratified by age, the 5-year relative survival of patients with Kaposi sarcoma was 68.6% and 87.5% for patients <65 and ≥ 65 years of age respectively.^[1]

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