KS and smoking

Q: Smoking may _______________ the risk of Kaposi Sarcoma (KS)? (select one)

A) increases

B) decreases

Answer: B

Interestingly, tobacco abusers are found to have a reduced risk of KS, particularly in the classic type. The probable mechanism is the direct effect of nicotine on immune function and its tendency to cause vasoconstriction. This led to using of nicotine dermal patches over KS, although there is no strong evidence to support its widespread use. Said that it does not cause any major systemic effect and may be of use in clinical practice. 

Other useful topical agents are Cis-retinoic acid, Imiquimod, Timolol, topical silver nitrate, and Rapamycin.

#oncology

Reference:

Goedert JJ, Scoppio BM, Pfeiffer R, Neve L, Federici AB, Long LR, Dolan BM, Brambati M, Bellinvia M, Lauria C, Preiss L, Boneschi V, Whitby D, Brambilla L. Treatment of classic Kaposi sarcoma with a nicotine dermal patch: a phase II clinical trial. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2008 Sep;22(9):1101-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02720.x. Epub 2008 Apr 1. PMID: 18384551.