19th August 2025

Kaposi's sarcoma: significance, types and fundraising for treatment

Kaposi's sarcoma is a rare but serious malignancy that affects the skin, mucous membranes and internal organs. The disease was first described by the dermatologist Moritz Kaposi in 1872. This type of cancer is associated with significant health complications, especially in people with weakened immune systems. There are different forms of Kaposi's sarcoma, including classical, epidemic (associated with HIV/AIDS), endemic (in certain regions of Africa) and iatrogenic (associated with immunosuppression in transplants).

This disease requires attention from both the medical community and society at large. Effective control depends on a combination of research, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Securing funding to develop new therapies and providing access to treatment for those affected is also key.

What does a diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma mean?

A diagnosis of Kaposi's sarcoma means the presence of a rare type of cancer that affects the cells of blood or lymph vessels. The disease usually manifests as lesions or spots with a red, violet, brown or bluish color on the skin, mucous membranes or internal organs. These lesions are caused by the uncontrolled growth of cells nourished by the tumor.

Kaposi's sarcoma: significance

Kaposi's sarcoma is associated with infection by herpes virus 8, which plays a role in the development of the disease, especially in people with weakened immune systems. This includes patients with HIV/AIDS, organ transplant recipients who are taking immunosuppressants, or people with other conditions that affect the immune system.

Kaposi's sarcoma can manifest in different ways:

• Classic Kaposi's sarcoma: More commonly affects older people from the Mediterranean, Eastern Europe or the Middle East.

• Epidemic Kaposi's sarcoma: Occurs in patients with HIV/AIDS and is the most common form of the disease.

• Endemic Kaposi's sarcoma: Occurs in some regions of Africa where herpes virus 8 is more prevalent.

• Iatrogenic Kaposi's sarcoma: It is associated with immunosuppression after transplantation.

Diagnosis is made by clinical observation, biopsy of affected tissues and further investigations to determine the stage and spread of the disease. Treatment depends on the type, extent of involvement and general health of the patient and may include topical therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or antiretroviral drugs to control HIV.

Kaposi sarcoma and herpes virus - what is the link?

The link between Kaposi's sarcoma and herpes virus lies in the causative agent of the disease: human herpes virus type 8, also known as Kaposi's sarcoma virus.

Human herpes virus type 8 is a DNA virus that can infect the cells of blood and lymph vessels. After infection, the virus integrates into the cells and stimulates their uncontrolled growth, leading to the formation of tumor lesions. It also secretes proteins that promote vascular proliferation and inhibit the immune response, allowing the development of sarcoma.

Most people infected with human herpes virus type 8 do not develop Kaposi's sarcoma. The disease occurs mainly in people with weakened immune systems because the body cannot suppress the virus.

Kaposi's sarcoma - where does it occur?

Kaposi's sarcoma can affect different parts of the body. It most often manifests on the skin, but it can also affect mucous membranes as well as internal organs.

1. Kaposi sarcoma of the skin

The most common form that manifests with reddish-violet, brown or bluish spots, plaques or nodules. They are often painless, but when enlarged may cause discomfort or ulceration.

• Localization: can occur anywhere on the body, but more commonly affects the legs, arms and face.

• Treatment: Local therapy (cryotherapy, radiotherapy), chemotherapy or immunotherapy according to the extent of involvement.

2. Kaposi's sarcoma of the eye (conjunctiva)

Manifested by lesions of the eyelids, conjunctiva or intraocular tissues. Lesions on the conjunctiva may be visible as red or violet spots.

• Symptoms.

• Treatment.

3. Treatment of Kaposi sarcoma of the face

Lesions on the face often lead to cosmetic and psychological problems. They may be flat spots or prominent nodules with a violet hue.

• Symptoms.

• Treatment: Sparing methods such as topical therapy or radiotherapy are often used to preserve the appearance.

4. In the case of Kaposi's sarcoma of the leg, a treatment that may be used to reduce the risk of metastatic lesions

Lesions that often affect the lower extremities, especially the lower legs and feet. They can lead to swelling of the legs if the lymph vessels are affected.

• Symptoms.

• Treatment: May include compression therapy to control the swelling, along with standard treatment approaches such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

5. Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma of the foot may include treatment with radiation therapy, such as chemotherapy, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy to treat the disease.

Lesions on the feet that can make walking difficult and cause pain or discomfort.

• Symptoms.

• Treatment: Often requires topical treatment or combination therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility.

How much does treatment for Kaposi sarcoma cost?

The cost of treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma depends on the stage of the disease, the therapy chosen, and the healthcare system in the specific country. Local therapies are usually more affordable, while systemic treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy are significantly more expensive. The treatment of advanced cases, especially when affecting internal organs, often requires higher costs because of the complexity and duration of therapy.

1. Stage of disease

Localized lesions on the skin or mucous membranes usually require fewer resources to treat. However, when the disease has spread to internal organs or lymph nodes, more complex treatment with combination approaches is required, increasing costs.

2. Type of therapy

Local therapies are usually more affordable as they are applied only to the affected areas and do not require prolonged treatment. In contrast, systemic methods such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or antiretroviral therapy require regular administration and ongoing monitoring, which increases costs. The combined use of topical and systemic therapies further increases the overall cost of treatment.

3. Duration of treatment

The duration of therapy depends on the extent of disease progression. Treatment of chronic or advanced cases requires more time and resources, which increases overall costs.

4. Medicines and supplies

Modern drugs used in immunotherapy or chemotherapy are often high-tech and quite expensive. In addition, the cost of medical supplies and equipment used in the procedures also affects the final cost of treatment.

5. Access to specialised programmes

Some countries or NGOs offer financial support, subsidies or free treatment for patients with rare diseases such as Kaposi's sarcoma, which can ease the financial burden.

Treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma can be a significant financial burden, especially for patients with advanced forms of the disease or the need for long-term therapy.

Crowdfunding as a method of raising funds for cancer treatment: what are the pros?

Crowdfunding is a fundraising method that allows people to receive donations from a wide range of people through online platforms. When it comes to cancer treatment, crowdfunding offers several significant advantages:

1. Speed and accessibility: crowdfunding is an easy and quick way to raise funds from a wide audience of people sympathetic to the cause, even without a personal connection to the patient.

2. Community support: This approach creates a sense of community and engagement. Crowdfunding motivates donors through emotionally impactful stories, which brings both financial and psychological relief to the sick person and their family.

3. Flexibility: Funds can be used for a variety of needs - medical expenses, transportation or daily needs, depending on the patient's needs.

4. Covering high costs: Crowdfunding helps finance expensive therapies and treatment abroad when insurance is insufficient.

5. Adaptability: Campaigns can be updated with information about the patient's condition, which engages donors and encourages additional donations.

6. Overcoming financial barriers: Crowdfunding is an alternative to hard-to-get loans and sponsorships, especially for people with limited means.

7. Transparency: Platforms offer clear reporting on funds raised, enhancing donor trust.

Crowdfunding is an effective tool to provide financial and social resources for patients and their families.

Launching an online fundraising campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform

Launching an online fundraising campaign through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform involves several key steps that will help you organize and manage the campaign effectively. Here's what you need to do:

1. Pre-plan the campaign

• Campaign Goal: Clearly describe the goal of the campaign. Explain what funds are needed and what they will be used for (e.g., cancer treatment, surgeries, medical expenses, etc.).

• Story: Tell the patient's personal story to create an emotional connection with potential donors. Be open and honest.

• Explain the patient's needs: Explain what stage the treatment is at and what additional expenses are coming up. This may include medical procedures, travel for treatment, medications, etc.

2. Launch the campaign on the platform

• Title and description: Enter a catchy title and a clear description of the campaign. Describe the goals, needs and plans for the upcoming treatment.

• Images: Include images that visually represent the situation. These can be photos of the patient, medical records, medical team, or other related materials.

• Financial Goal: Determine the exact amount you want to raise and how the funds raised will be distributed. The platform can offer tools to track the progress of donations made in real time.

3. Promote the campaign

• Social media sharing. Use hashtags and engage your audience to increase campaign visibility.

• Email Campaigns. Include a personal message to make communication more personal and impactful.

• Local and online groups: Share the campaign in local forums, groups and online communities that can support the cause.

4. Updates and monitoring

• Regular Updates: To keep donors interested, update the campaign regularly with news about the treatment and patient status. This will motivate people to continue donating or to share the campaign with others.

• Don't miss the opportunity to thank donors. Send thank you messages and provide information on how the funds will be used.

• Campaign Monitoring: Keep track of how the campaign is going, what funds have been raised and how long is left until the goal is reached. The platform usually offers graphs or reports on progress.

5. Campaign completion and reporting

• Campaign close: When the goal is reached or the campaign reaches a deadline, close the campaign and inform donors of the results.

• Accountability: Provide accountability for how funds were spent and how it helped the patient.

Starting a PavelAndreev.ORG campaign can be an effective way to raise funds when you need support to treat serious illnesses like cancer. It's important to be honest and open in your communication because it will inspire more people to get involved and donate.

Start a campaign on PavelAndreev.ORG.

Launching a campaign to raise funds for a cure through the PavelAndreev.ORG platform is a powerful tool to provide the support you need. Take advantage of this opportunity to provide needed treatment for yourself or your loved one. Start your campaign and start raising funds now. Don't wait - every amount donated can make a difference in a patient's future. Together we can achieve more!

Start a campaign