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

Francesca Cainelli, Alfredo Vallone

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

20 Citations (Scopus)

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)385-390
Number of pages6
JournalBiologics: Targets and Therapy
Volume3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2009

Keywords

  • HIV infection
  • Kaposi's sarcoma
  • Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Oncology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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