PROCAARE: RE: RFI--Topical and herbal Medicine in Kaposi's Sarcoma

[procaare@usa.healthnet.org]

Dear Dr Nkandu

We have a great deal of experience with treating persons with Kaposi's sarcoma
both the endemic and the epidemic variety. We however have NO real 
experience in treating the cancer with topical or herbal medications.

By using various combinations of cytotoxic drugs we have demonstrated an
improvement in the quality of life of persons with KS. The only topical
treatment that we have ever used has been for the treatment of locally
aggressive, fungating infected tumour masses. The infection will respond to
systemic treatment with antibiotics including anti-staph and anti-gram negative
agents together with local soaking and bathing in antiseptics and applications
locally of metronidazole powder. Locally aggressive lesions also respond well to
local radiotherapy.

I have read about the effect of intra-lesional cytotoxics as well.

Regarding local applications of herbs and traditional medicines - most of our
patients with KS visit traditional practitioners who do tend to apply herbs
locally but I cannot say that tehre has been any benefit with these agents.

Sincerely

Professor A. S. Latif
University of Zimbabwe Medical School
email: alatif@healthnet.zw

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