Safety and efficacy of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma

Review

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Authors: Francesca Cainelli, Alfredo Vallone

Published Date August 2009 Volume 2009:3 Pages 385 - 390

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/BTT.S3915

Francesca Cainelli¹, Alfredo Vallone²

¹Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Botswana, Gaborone, Botswana; ²Infectious Diseases Unit, Annunziata Hospital, Cosenza, Italy

Abstract: Kaposi’s sarcoma is a vascular tumor linked to the presence of Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (human herpesvirus-8) and the incidence of which has increased considerably the world over after the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic. Antiretroviral therapy combined with cytotoxic agents has been established as the treatment of choice in the past 10 years. Among chemotherapeutic agents, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin has become the preferred one for patients with HIV-associated Kaposi’s sarcoma in Western countries. The drug in this formulation localizes better to the tumor and has higher efficacy. Skin toxicity, mucositis, and leukopenia/neutropenia are the main side effects. Hepatotoxicity and mild cardiotoxicity are observed less frequently. Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin impacts favorably on quality of life. Although cost effective in Western countries, the drug is less so in developing countries.

Keywords: pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, Kaposi’s sarcoma, HIV infection