OVERVIEW

INTRODUCTION

Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS) is a cancer that originates from the lining of blood and lymphatic vessels. It is strongly associated with Human Herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8)
and is most commonly seen in individuals with compromised immune systems, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. In HIV-positive patients, Kaposi’s Sarcoma is
considered an AIDS-defining illness, indicating advanced progression of the disease.

TYPES OF KAPOSI’S SARCOMA

1. 
   Epidemic (AIDS-Related) Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
   – The most common form, affecting individuals with HIV.
   – Characterized by widespread lesions on the skin, mouth, and internal organs.
   
   2. Classic (Mediterranean) Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
      – Typically affects older men of Mediterranean or Eastern European descent.
      – Lesions are primarily on the lower extremities and progress slowly.
   
   3. Endemic (African) Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
      – Common in sub-Saharan Africa, even in the absence of HIV infection.
      – More aggressive and often affects younger individuals.
   
   4. Iatrogenic (Transplant-Associated) Kaposi’s Sarcoma:
      – Occurs in individuals receiving immunosuppressive therapy after organ transplantation.
   
   

SYMPTOMS

– Purple, red, or brown lesions on the skin or mucous membranes
– Swelling in the legs or face due to lymphatic blockage
– Gastrointestinal bleeding if internal lesions are present
– Shortness of breath if lung involvement occurs
– Night sweats, fever, and weight loss in advanced cases

DIAGNOSIS

1. 
   Physical Examination:
   – Visual inspection of skin and mucosal lesions.
   
   2. Biopsy:
   – Confirmation through histological analysis, identifying spindle-shaped cells and abnormal vascular growth.
   
   3. Imaging Studies:
      – CT scans, MRI, and PET-CT for internal organ involvement.
   
   4. Endoscopy and Colonoscopy:
      – For suspected gastrointestinal involvement.
   
   5. HHV-8 Testing:
      – Blood tests to detect Human Herpesvirus-8 antibodies.
   
   

TRADITIONAL TREATMENT OPTIONS

1. 
   Antiretroviral Therapy (ART):
   – Essential for HIV-positive patients to reduce viral load and restore immune function.
   – ART alone can significantly shrink Kaposi’s Sarcoma lesions.
   
   2. Chemotherapy:
      – Liposomal Doxorubicin (Doxil) and Paclitaxel are primary agents.
      – Vinblastine for localized skin lesions.
   
   3. Radiation Therapy:
      – Effective for local control of small, isolated lesions.
      – Used for symptomatic relief in affected organs.
   
   4. Surgery:
      – Rarely performed; mainly for biopsy or isolated lesion removal.
   
   5. Immunotherapy:
      – Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and Nivolumab (Opdivo) are under study for advanced cases.
   
   

INTEGRATIVE ONCOLOGY TREATMENTS

| Therapy                          | Mechanism of Action                                                   |
|———————————-|———————————————————————–|
| Hyperthermia Therapy             | Increases tumor temperature, enhancing chemotherapy effectiveness.    |
| Ozone Therapy                    | Oxygenates cancer cells, making them more vulnerable to treatment.    |
| Intravenous Vitamin C (IVC)      | Promotes oxidative stress in cancer cells, enhancing apoptosis.       |
| Hydrogen Peroxide Therapy        | Selectively targets cancer cells through oxidative mechanisms.        |
| Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)       | Uses light-activated compounds to destroy cancerous tissues.          |
| Curcumin and Resveratrol         | Anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties.                  |
| Quercetin and Green Tea Extract  | Inhibits cancer cell signaling and reduces angiogenesis.              |
| Mistletoe Therapy (Iscador)      | Immune modulation and direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells.        |
| Fenbendazole and Mebendazole     | Anti-parasitic agents with anti-cancer properties by disrupting microtubules. |

REPURPOSED DRUGS FOR KAPOSI’S SARCOMA

| Drug                | Mechanism of Action                                                   | Cancer Type                             |
|———————-|———————————————————————–|—————————————-|
| Metformin           | Inhibits mTOR and reduces glycolysis in cancer cells.                 | Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Lung Cancer          |
| Doxycycline         | Inhibits cancer stem cells and reduces tumor metastasis.              | Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Osteosarcoma         |
| Atorvastatin        | Inhibits cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.             | Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Colon Cancer         |
| Artemisinin         | Induces oxidative stress specifically in cancer cells.                | Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Pancreatic Cancer    |
| Hydroxychloroquine  | Inhibits autophagy, increasing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy.| Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Glioblastoma         |
| Valproic Acid       | Histone deacetylase inhibitor, promoting cancer cell differentiation. | Kaposi’s Sarcoma, Leukemia             |

CONCLUSION

Kaposi’s Sarcoma, particularly in HIV-positive patients, is a challenging diagnosis, but integrative oncology offers a robust approach. Combining antiretroviral therapy
with repurposed drugs, natural compounds, and immune-enhancing therapies provides a pathway to control and remission.

CALL TO ACTION

If you or a loved one is facing a diagnosis of Kaposi’s Sarcoma, integrative oncology can provide advanced therapies to enhance your recovery. Schedule a consultation
today to explore personalized treatment options designed to restore health and prevent recurrence.