Which KS type remains the most prevalent AIDS-related malignancy despite a decrease in incidence?

Which KS type remains the most prevalent AIDS-related malignancy despite a decrease in incidence?

• A. AIDS-associated KS
• B. Classic KS
• C. Transplant-associated KS
• D. Endemic KS

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that Kaposi sarcoma associated with AIDS remains the most common AIDS-related cancer even though overall KS rates have fallen with antiretroviral therapy. KS is driven by infection with HHV-8 in the setting of immune suppression from HIV. ART improves immune function and reduces KS risk, but among cancers that occur with AIDS, this AIDS-related form of KS continues to be the most frequent. The other KS variants—classic KS, endemic KS, and transplant-associated KS—are not driven by HIV/AIDS in the same way: classic KS occurs in older, non–HIV populations; endemic KS occurs in parts of Africa in HIV-negative individuals; and transplant-associated KS arises from iatrogenic immunosuppression after transplantation.

The key idea is that Kaposi sarcoma associated with AIDS remains the most common AIDS-related cancer even though overall KS rates have fallen with antiretroviral therapy. KS is driven by infection with HHV-8 in the setting of immune suppression from HIV. ART improves immune function and reduces KS risk, but among cancers that occur with AIDS, this AIDS-related form of KS continues to be the most frequent. The other KS variants—classic KS, endemic KS, and transplant-associated KS—are not driven by HIV/AIDS in the same way: classic KS occurs in older, non–HIV populations; endemic KS occurs in parts of Africa in HIV-negative individuals; and transplant-associated KS arises from iatrogenic immunosuppression after transplantation.