AIDS-Related Kaposi’s sarcoma and Associated Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) associated with AIDS (AIDS-KS) is the most prevalent neoplasia among patients with AIDS. Its incidence has decreased dramatically in recent years due to the widespread use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Paradoxically, in relation to the introduction of HAART it may occur a worsening or development of AIDS-KS despite the improvement of the immune function. This unusual process is called immune reconstitution syndrome in Kaposi's sarcoma (IRIS-KS) and should not be confused with a failure of HAART. Early identification of AIDS-KS and previous or combined use of chemotherapy with HAART appears to be the most effective treatment to prevent the consequences of IRIS-SK.