Title | Pilot study of oral valganciclovir therapy in patients with classic Kaposi sarcoma. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2011 |
Authors | Krown SE, Dittmer DP, Cesarman E |
Journal | J Infect Dis |
Volume | 203 |
Issue | 8 |
Pagination | 1082-6 |
Date Published | 2011 Apr 15 |
ISSN | 1537-6613 |
Keywords | Administration, Oral, Adult, Aged, Antineoplastic Agents, Ganciclovir, Herpesvirus 8, Human, Humans, Middle Aged, Sarcoma, Kaposi, Valganciclovir |
Abstract | We conducted a clinical trial of oral valganciclovir, a drug with in vitro activity against Kaposi sarcoma (KS)-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), in classic KS. Five human immunodeficiency virus-seronegative participants received valganciclovir for up to six 4-week cycles at doses used for cytomegalovirus infection. None of the study subjects showed an objective response; KS progressed in 4 subjects after 1-4 cycles and remained stable in 1 subject after 6 cycles. KS biopsies showed minimal lytic KSHV antigen and gene expression at baseline and no treatment-associated changes. Although valganciclovir was not active against KS in this setting, other appropriately targeted anti-herpesviral strategies may prove to be more effective. |
DOI | 10.1093/infdis/jiq177 |
Alternate Journal | J Infect Dis |
PubMed ID | 21450998 |
Related Faculty:
Ethel Cesarman, M.D., Ph.D.