October 15, 2007 | Health Matters

Kaposi's comeback?

Kaposi's sarcoma, a cancer that causes red or purple patches of abnormal tissue to grow under the skin, in the lining of the mouth, nose, and throat, has made a bit of a comeback. Once a telling sign of HIV/AIDS infection, this form of cancer has become less common as anti-viral drugs have become more potent. However, a small group of HIV patients in the San Francisco area have recently started showing signs of the lesions.

The cancer has not been as aggressive or lethal as it was in the past but, as the San Francisco Chronicle points out, "the lesions are unsightly, difficult to treat and raise uncomfortable questions about what weaknesses might lurk in the immune systems of thousands of aging survivors of the epidemic."

It also reminds us of HIV's ability to adapt and mutate, becoming more aggressive and increasingly resistant to certain drug combinations. [more]

"This could either be the canary in the coal mine, or it could just be a collection of rare events that will continue to occur when people are given what appears to be effective treatment," said San Francisco General Hospital epidemiologist. Dr. Jeffrey Martin.

Kaposi's sarcoma is not a disease specific to HIV/AIDS. It is caused by the herpes virus, dubbed HHV-8. It has also long existed in the Mediterranean region, though is more often found among older men in their 70s.

Scientists and doctors will continue to monitor the situation to determine if this is something unique to a small group of patients, or if this speaks to a larger change in a virus that has too long affected the lives of many around the world.