Treatment of ocular adnexal Kaposi's sarcoma in acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the most effective, safe, and cost-efficient treatment for ocular adnexal Kaposi's sarcoma in the acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

METHODS: Eighty-two patients with ocular adnexal Kaposi's sarcoma related to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome were examined, and 25 were selected to participate in a 3-year study that treated the ocular lesions based on stage of development and location.

RESULTS: Of 14 patients with bulbar conjunctival Kaposi's sarcoma treated with surgical excision, 2 stage III lesions recurred during a follow-up that ranged from 8 to 31 months; no stage I or stage II lesion recurred. Of 7 patients with eyelid Kaposi's sarcoma treated with cryotherapy, 2 stage III lesions recurred during a follow-up that ranged from 9 to 24 months; no stage I or stage II lesion recurred. Four patients with stage III Kaposi's sarcoma of the bulbar conjunctiva were treated with fluorescein angiography-based surgical excision. None of these lesions recurred during a follow-up that ranged from 4 to 8 months.

CONCLUSION: A treatment regimen for ocular adnexal Kaposi's sarcoma related to the acquired immune deficiency syndrome based on tumor stage and location, using cryotherapy and surgical excision with or without fluorescein angiography, is effective, safe, and cost-efficient.