What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Iatrogenic KS
• Immunosuppression-Associated Kaposi Sarcoma
• Immunosuppression-Associated KS

What is Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Kaposi Sarcoma (KS) is a malignant tumor that is associated with human herpes viral infection (called HHV8 infection)
• It manifests as a skin condition with lesions and purple red patches; mainly on the legs, hands, and face. But, it can also affect the lymph nodes, vital organs, and mucous membranes lining the respiratory and digestive system leading to life-threatening situations
• KS is often linked to HIV-infected individuals. Nevertheless, any individual with a weak immune system, have a risk of being infected by the condition
• There are 4 types of Kaposi Sarcoma and these include:
  • Classic Indolent KS
  • African Endemic KS
  • Iatrogenic KS
  • AIDS-Related KS
• Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma, or Immunosuppression-Associated KS, is a form of Kaposi Sarcoma that is triggered by medical treatment using immunosuppressant medications, for various reasons
• Individuals with Iatrogenic KS have typically poorly-functioning immune system, but the condition is not related to HIV infection

Who gets Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma may affect any individual with a weak or poor immunity, which is caused due to other underlying health conditions, irrespective of age, race, or ethnicity
• Both genders are equally affected; there is no male or female preference
• The condition may be observed worldwide

What are the Risk Factors for Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma? (Predisposing Factors)

Risk factors for Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma include the following:

• Any medical illness or health condition that necessitates treatment using immunosuppressive medications, such as post-transplant of a major organ (heart, liver, kidney, or lung)
• Treatment using chemotherapy medications for various cancers
• Severely weakened immune system due to HIV infection, major illnesses, etc.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are -more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma? (Etiology)

• In general, Kaposi Sarcoma is caused by a complex interaction of the human herpes virus (HHV8), certain genetic factors, a weak immune system, and disease-conducive environmental conditions
• Medical research has not established the exact mechanism of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma formation, even though a poorly-functioning body immunity happens to be the prime cause of this condition
• Longstanding immunosuppressive therapy may be one of the reasons for Iatrogenic KS

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma?

The signs and symptoms of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma include:

• The presence of slow-growing lesions that may be single or multiple in numbers, all over the body. The lesions grow over many years
• The lesions form on the body - particularly on the lower limbs (especially toes and soles); they are mostly painless and non-itchy
• Due to the fact that blood vessels are severely affected, the skin appearance is purple red in color (erythematous patches)
• If the skin is affected, then KS may be manifested as a mass on the skin, which may bleed and ulcerate
• If the mouth or oral cavity is affected, then there may be difficulty in chewing, swallowing, and speaking
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss may occur if the gastrointestinal tract is involved
• Breathing difficulty, cough, blood in sputum, and fever may be an indication that the lungs are infected
• In rare cases, the internal organs may be affected

How is Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma may be established through:

• Complete physical examination and thorough evaluation of individual’s medical history
• Blood tests including complete blood count (CBC) and tests to detect antibodies against the virus
• CT scan of the affected regions
• Bronchoscopy, if lung is affected
• GI endoscopy, if the gastrointestinal tract is involved
• Skin biopsy: A skin biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. The pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• A differential diagnosis may be used to eliminate other tumor types

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma?

The possible complications due to Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma include:

• Metastasis of KS to other vital body organs; the entire body could be affected leading to fatal results
• KS can recur, even after the full treatment course is completed
• Lung complications, with shortness of breath and bloody coughs
• If the skin lesions are visible, then they may present cosmetic issues in individuals
• Secondary bacterial or fungal skin infections may develop if the lesions ulcerate and bleed
• Damage to vital nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures during surgery to remove the tumor
• Side effects from chemotherapy (such as toxicity) and radiation therapy

How is Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma Treated?

There is no definitive cure for Kaposi Sarcoma, since it is caused by a virus (HHV8); the signs and symptoms can only be controlled. The treatment depends upon the location and extent of spread of the tumors. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and invasive procedures are used to treat KS.

Treatment measures for Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma may include the following:

• Decreasing or discontinuing immunosuppressive therapy
• Also, frequently monitoring blood levels of immunosuppressant medications in patients 
• Localized Kaposi Sarcoma is usually removed through surgical excisions; for KS involving several different parts of the body, chemotherapy and immunotherapy may be employed
• If the lesions are confined to a localized area, then radiation therapy or cryotherapy may also be useful
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Post-operative follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important, especially to monitor for any recurrences

How can Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma be Prevented?

Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma may be prevented through consideration of the following factors:

• Testing organ donors for human herpes virus infection can be helpful
• Regular blood tests to measure the blood levels of medications given to suppress one’s immune system
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, scans, and physical examinations are mandatory for those who have already endured the tumor; due to both its metastasizing potential and chances of recurrence. Often several years of active vigilance is necessary

What is the Prognosis of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma is better, if it is diagnosed early, the lesions are small in size and few in numbers, the health status of the affected individual is good, and if the condition is still in its mild form
• However, if the condition is into an advanced state with metastasis, then the outcome is guarded

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Iatrogenic Kaposi Sarcoma:

The 4 different types of Kaposi Sarcoma are known to affect 4 diverse (ethnic) groups of people; unlike other forms of cancer that affect different cells or organs, in the same individual. This particular trait of KS remains medically unexplained.