Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Turk Onkoloji Dergisi, cilt.41, sa.1, ss.78-85, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus, TRDizin)
Kaposi sarcoma is a low-grade vascular neoplasm with heterogeneous clinical behavior and diverse epidemiologic subtypes, including classic, endemic African, iatrogenic, and AIDS-related forms. Radiotherapy has long been recognized as a highly effective local treatment modality in disease due to its marked radiosensitivity. This review comprehensively evaluates the role of radiotherapy in the management of Kaposi sarcoma, with a focus on dose-fractionation strategies, anatomic site considerations, and technical advancements. Retrospective studies consistently report high complete response rates (60–93%) across different anatomical sites, with acceptable toxicity profiles. While low-dose regimens such as 8 Gy in a single fraction may be suitable for palliation or limited life expectancy, fractionated regimens of 20–30 Gy are associated with higher local control and better cosmetic outcomes. In mucosal regions such as the oropharynx and conjunctiva, lower doses (15–20 Gy) are generally preferred due to increased mucosal toxicity, whereas higher doses (30 Gy) are commonly used for cutaneous lesions. Recent developments in radiotherapy techniques—including volumetric arc therapy and high-dose-rate brachytherapy—have enhanced dose conformity, reduced treatment duration, and improved outcomes in anatomically challenging regions. Despite the lack of prospective randomized trials, cumulative evidence supports radiotherapy as a well-tolerated and effective modality across all Kaposi sarcoma subtypes. This underscores the necessity of individualized RT planning based on lesion site, disease extent, and patient performance status to optimize therapeutic efficacy. Radiotherapy for Kaposi sarcoma stands out as a treatment modality with high local control rates and excellent tolerability in terms of toxicity.