Evidence for IV Paclitaxel in Kaposi Sarcoma

NCCN Guideline Recommendations

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends paclitaxel as a first-line systemic therapy option for both limited cutaneous and advanced AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, with paclitaxel and pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin being statistically equivalent in terms of response rates, median progression-free survival, and 2-year survival 1, 2, 3
• The NCCN guidelines note that paclitaxel is effective for patients with advanced AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma, including those who have failed prior anthracycline therapy, with a trend toward increased grade 3-5 toxicity with paclitaxel 3

Special Modifications for AIDS Patients

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines suggest initiating or repeating treatment with paclitaxel only if the neutrophil count is ≥1,000 cells/mm³ for immunosuppressed AIDS patients 2