Targeted Therapy For AIDS-related Kaposi's Sarcoma

Angiogenesis plays a critical in the pathogenesis of Kaposi's sarcoma. Platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) are among the angiogenic pathways that have been implicated in the development of Kaposi's sarcoma. The introduction of specific therapies such as imatinib and Col-3 that target the PDGF pathway and MMPs, respectively, provide a mechanism to test the importance of these pathways in Kaposi's sarcoma in vivo. In this session the rationale for targeted therapy in Kaposi's sarcoma will be discussed. The results from recent trials involving anti-angiogenic agents and signal transduction inhibitors will be reviewed. Additionally, trials of targeted therapies that are underway or in development will be outlined.