Source
Vaccine and Infectious Disease Institute, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and the Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98109, USA. ccasper@fhcrc.org
Abstract
Human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8, also known as Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus or KSHV) is the etiologic agent of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) and primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), as well as many cases of Castleman disease. Despite significant advances in understanding the biology and natural history of these diseases, current treatment options have important limitations, and strategies to prevent their development in high-risk individuals are lacking. This article reviews the scope of HHV-8-associated disease, as well as the efficacy of current treatment options. Finally, novel approaches to treatment and prevention are described, including antiviral agents, targeted molecular therapy and a combination of these modalities.
Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.