What is Kaposi's sarcoma: symptoms and treatment options

Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare type of cancer first described in 1872 by the Hungarian dermatologist Moritz Kaposi. He defined the disease as a chronic and relatively benign skin condition affecting mostly elderly men from the Mediterranean.

Today, Kaposi's sarcoma is known to be associated with infection by herpes virus 8. Its prevalence is strongly influenced by the geographical region, immune status and comorbidities of the affected individuals. It is most commonly seen in people with weakened immune systems, such as AIDS patients or individuals taking immunosuppressants after transplantation.

This disease manifests with characteristic lesions - reddish-brown or violet spots and nodules that can cause pain and discomfort. Although the diagnosis sounds frightening, modern medicine offers a variety of treatment options that can significantly improve the quality of life for people with Kaposi's sarcoma.

What causes the development of Kaposi's sarcoma?

Kaposi's sarcoma develops as a result of infection with herpes virus type 8, also known as Kaposi's herpes virus-related. However, the infection itself is not enough to cause the disease - other factors are needed that weaken the immune system, allowing the virus to provoke the onset and development of sarcoma.

Kaposi's sarcoma was first documented in the 19th century, but it was not until the 20th century that it became clear that the disease had several forms:

1. Classical - affecting adult men from the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe.

2. Endemic - occurs in Africa, often in children and adults.

3. Epidemic - associated with AIDS, the most aggressive form.

4. Immunosuppressive - occurs in patients on immunosuppressive therapy after transplantation.

Main causes and risk factors:

• Weakened immunity: people with HIV/AIDS are most vulnerable due to a severely compromised immune system, which explains the link to the HIV epidemic.

• Immunosuppression: Post-transplant drugs suppress the immune system and increase the risk of HHV-8 activation.

• Geographic and ethnic factors: HHV-8 is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, the Mediterranean and the Middle East.

• Genetic susceptibility: Hereditary factors may increase the risk of developing the disease.

• Chronic inflammation: Prolonged inflammation caused by HHV-8 can stimulate tumor growth.

Kaposi's sarcoma occurs when HHV-8 infection and a weakened immune system interact, allowing the virus to cause cellular changes and tumors.

What is the life expectancy of a person diagnosed with Kaposi's sarcoma?

Life expectancy in Kaposi's sarcoma depends on several factors: immune status, stage of disease, location of tumors, comorbidities and response to treatment.

1. HIV/AIDS-associated sarcoma: When HIV infection is controlled with antiretroviral therapy, patients can live for many years. Without treatment, the disease progresses rapidly, with a prognosis of several months to years.

2. Transplant-associated sarcoma: Reducing immunosuppressants often improves prognosis. In severe cases, especially with organ involvement, the outcome is less favorable.

3. Classical sarcoma: Progresses slowly and is rarely a major cause of death. Life expectancy usually depends on other comorbidities, if any.

4. Endemic sarcoma: Occurs in Africa and often progresses rapidly without treatment. With therapy, prognosis is better but remains challenging in resource-limited regions.

With early detection and adequate treatment, patients often live long, but untreated disease results in shortened life expectancy.

What is the best treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma?

Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma is determined by the severity and spread of the disease, as well as the patient's overall health. It usually involves a combination of approaches that aim to control tumor growth, relieve symptoms, and improve quality of life.

The main methods are:

1. Antiretroviral therapy - This is the main treatment for patients with HIV/AIDS as it restores the immune system and suppresses the HHV-8 virus that causes Kaposi's sarcoma. With successful antiretroviral therapy, tumors can shrink or disappear without the need for further treatment.

2. Local therapies - These are used to treat a limited number of skin lesions and include:

   • Cryotherapy - Freezing the lesions with liquid nitrogen, which results in their destruction.

   • Surgical removal - Suitable for single or few lesions.

   • Local injections - Drugs such as interferon-alpha or chemotherapeutic agents can be injected directly into the lesions for better local effect.

3. Systemic chemotherapy - This therapy is used in patients with multiple lesions or when the disease has spread to internal organs (such as the lungs or gastrointestinal tract). Chemotherapy may have side effects such as nausea, vomiting and fatigue.

4. Adjusting immunosuppression - Patients who have undergone a transplant and are taking immunosuppressants may need adjustment of these medications. Reducing the dose of immunosuppressants helps the immune system fight tumors.

5. Radiation therapy - It is appropriate for treating large or painful lesions that do not respond to other therapies. Radiotherapy reduces the size of lesions and relieves symptoms such as pain and swelling.

Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma usually involves a combination approach that combines different methods to control the disease and improve the patient's quality of life.

How much does treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma cost?

The cost of treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma can vary greatly depending on a number of factors such as the stage of the disease, type of treatment, geographic location and the patient's health insurance coverage.

Key factors that affect the cost:

1. Antiretroviral Therapy: The cost of antiretroviral drugs varies according to the medication and the country in which the therapy is performed. In developed countries, treatment is often covered by the patient's health insurance.

2. Chemotherapy: Medications are extremely expensive and are calculated per individual course of treatment, and they can be quite numerous. The cost also includes hospital costs, laboratory tests and consultations with doctors.

3. Local therapies: Local methods, such as cryotherapy or surgical removal of lesions, are cheaper than chemotherapy, but their cost depends on the clinic and the patient's location.

4. Radiotherapy: The cost of radiotherapy depends on the number of sessions, but the amounts are usually quite high.

5. Checkups and monitoring: Regular checkups and tests also increase the cost.

Run a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG.

How can I raise money for people with Kaposi's sarcoma?

Fundraising for people with Kaposi's sarcoma can be a successful way to support patients and their families. It is important to approach this process with care and create good organisation to maximise the impact. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Online Campaigns: Crowdfunding platforms like PavelAndreev.ORG offer an easy way to create online campaigns. Share the sick person's personal story, explain their needs, and ask people to donate. Use social media to spread the campaign and reach more people. Videos and personal stories often have a stronger impact, so consider sharing a video with the patient or their family on social media.

2. Organise charity events: Local events such as bazaars, concerts, sports competitions or charity dinners can raise funds for people struggling with serious illnesses. You can also organise auctions where donated items or services can be offered.

3. Partnerships with local businesses. They can organize fundraising campaigns, donate a percentage of sales, or provide event sponsorships. Some businesses also offer internal fundraising campaigns among their employees to motivate them with rewards or public recognition.

4. Awareness and education campaigns: Raising awareness of Kaposi's sarcoma can spur donations. You can organize awareness campaigns or provide materials about the disease to local media. Interviews with doctors or blog posts can also help spread awareness about the disease and the need for help.

5. Recurring donations: Offer people the opportunity to donate regularly, for example monthly, in small amounts. This will provide a steady stream of funds for the needs of the charity. You could offer rewards or 'memberships' for those who regularly support the campaign.

6. Foundations and organisations. If there are local or international foundations working on this issue, you can join their fundraising and awareness-raising initiatives.

7. Health and social initiatives: Some hospitals have funds for patients in need. You can contact doctors and healthcare professionals who treat Kaposi's sarcoma to find out if there are opportunities to fund treatment through donations or sponsorships.

These methods will not only help you raise funds, but will also create a community of people who support the cause and work together for a better future for Kaposi's sarcoma patients.

Launch an online campaign to raise funds for Kaposi's sarcoma treatment through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform

Launching an online fundraising campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform is a great way to bring attention to the cause and raise money for the treatment of people with Kaposi's sarcoma. To run a successful online fundraising campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform, follow these easy steps:

1. Start a campaign. Share the patient's inspiring story to elicit an emotional response from potential donors. Add photos to show the real faces of those who need help.

2. Share the campaign on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Tik Tok and YouTube. Invite friends, family and followers to share the link to the campaign to reach the maximum number of people. Send emails to people who could help or spread the campaign. If you can, contact local media to get more publicity.

3. Monitoring: use the platform to track funds raised in real time. Maintain regular campaign updates, thank donors and share news on patient treatment progress. This will inspire confidence and motivation for new donations.

4. Transparency and accountability: provide regular reports on the funds raised and how they are being used. This will boost the credibility of the campaign and motivate more people to get involved. Thank donors and show how their funds are making a real difference.

Launching a fundraising campaign is not only a way to raise money for the treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma patients, but also to create a community that actively supports these people in their battle. Don't procrastinate - every day is important and every contribution counts! Start your campaign today and give hope to the people who need our help.