Angiosarcoma, a "new" indicator for HIV infection: a chance for treatment or spontaneous regression of tumor? A case report

Abstract

Angiosarcomas are very rare malignancies. Surgery coupled with radiotherapy and chemotherapy is the basic method of treatment of these cancers. Unfortunately, however, this treatment offers at most only a 35% 5-year survival rate.

The coexistence of some cancers with known viral etiology and AIDS has helped to recognize and establish the clinical criteria of AIDS. At the same time, anti-retroviral therapies (HAART) have given reasons for optimism in the treatment of such cancers commonly associated with AIDS. Finally, spontaneous cancer regressions are extremely rare and their mechanism is yet to be ascertained.

We are presenting an HIV positive patient with a regression of angiosarcoma of the lower limb. The patient did not undergo any surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy to treat the cancer. Significantly, the regression was noticed during effective HAART therapy (CD4 rise from 9 to 267 cells/UI). There was no recurrence or spread observed within 4 years after surgery.

This patient represents an atypical course of angiosarcoma. Perhaps HAART may become an additional, method of treatment of angiosarcomas.