Behind one fifth of cancer cases around the world lurks a pathogen. The connective-tissue cancer Kaposi sarcoma even gave its name to the herpesvirus that causes it: Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, or KSHV. Though uncommon in the U.S., KS is a problem in regions where HIV still exacts a major public health toll.
“KS is among the most common cancers among people with HIV, and is a leading cancer in several African countries,” said Fred Hutch KS specialist Warren Phipps, MD, MPH.
To rectify gaps in treatment and prevention, Phipps and Fred Hutch colleagues Jim Boonyaratanakornkit, MD, PhD, and Andrew McGuire, PhD have teamed up to lay the groundwork for a KSHV vaccine. An effective KSHV vaccine would revolutionize how providers approach KSHV-related diseases, Phipps said.
