Recent advances in HIV-associated Kaposi sarcoma.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is a mesenchymal tumour caused by KS-associated herpesvirus and is an AIDS-defining illness. Despite a decline in incidence since the introduction of combination anti-retroviral therapy, KS remains the most common cancer in people living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa, where it causes significant morbidity and mortality. This review reflects on recent epidemiological data as well as current management, unmet needs and future perspectives in the treatment of HIV-associated KS with particular emphasis on the potential role of immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts

No competing interests were disclosed.No competing interests were disclosed.Competing interests: Robert Yarchoan is a co-inventor on US Patent 10,001,483 entitled "Methods for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma or KSHV-induced lymphoma using immunomodulatory compounds, and uses of biomarkers". The patent application for this was filed in part based on the results of NCI protocol 12-C-0047, entitled "A Phase I/II Study of the Safety, Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of Pomalidomide (CC-4047) in the Treatment of Kaposi Sarcoma in Individuals with or without HIV". It is his understanding that foreign patents have also been filed for this invention. This invention was made as a full-time employee of the US government under 45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 7. His spouse, who is also a US Government employee, has a patent on KSHV viral IL-6. All rights, title, and interest to these patents have been or should by law be assigned to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The government conveys a portion of the royalties it receives to its employee-inventors under the Federal Technology Transfer Act of 1986 (P.L. 99-502).   Robert Yarchoan's research is funded in part by Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) between Celgene Corporation and the National Cancer Institute. As part of this agreement, Celgene has provided drugs for clinical trials. Bevacizumab for his trial of bevacizumab alone and with liposomal doxorubicin was provided to the NCI under a CRADA with Genetech, and drugs for his trial of pembrolizumab is provided to the NCI by a CRADA with Merck & Co.