Brambilla L et al. - Low-dose paclitaxel is effective and well tolerated in patients with aggressive refractory classic Kaposi sarcoma (cKS), controlling the aggressiveness of the disease. The treatment can be repeated with good response. Methods
Study to evaluate the clinical efficacy and tolerability of standardized paclitaxel treatment in cKS
17 pts with aggressive refractory cKS (stage IIIBc–IVBcv) were treated with iv paclitaxel 100 mg/wk
The response to the therapy was evaluated after 12 wks
A maintenance treatment every 2 wks was introduced for most of the pts and a final evaluation was made
Results
A PR/CR was achieved in 14/17 pts
2 pts had allergic reactions, for which treatment was discontinued
1 pt had progression of disease despite initial improvement
Pts received a mean of 16·8 courses
The treatment was generally well tolerated
Mean time to recurrence was 4·5 mos from the end of the therapy and 7·35 mos from the 12th course
In 4/10 pts who relapsed at f/u, the recurrence was mild and responsive to local treatment
The other 6 relapsing pts repeated paclitaxel with good response in 5 of them
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