Although its role in the treatment of many other conditions remains controversial it is the treatment of choice in AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Although optimal dosage regimens are unclear, Alpha interferon is generally administered intramuscularly at high doses. Efficacy is highest when T4 cell counts are over 400, and there are no prior opportunistic infections, nor any symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or weight loss. Side effects worsen with higher doses. Resolution of symptoms indicates that treatment is effective.
Side effects diminish over time.
Visible improvement of KS takes many weeks and improvement can continue over many months. Motrin can help with side effects. High fluid intake during initial treatment helps reduce nausea and dehydration. Chemotherapy is limited by the already depressed immune system. Since KS is such a rare disease in the U.S. and is usually treated initially with radiotherapy, few patients have been treated with chemotherapy and no randomized, prospective trials have compared one agent to another.