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Paclitaxel or Liposomal Doxorubicin for HIV-positive Persons with Kaposi Sarcoma

Trial Status: approved

This phase III trial compares the effectiveness of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PDL) hydrochloride to paclitaxel (PTX) for the treatment of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated Kaposi sarcoma (AIDS-KS) in Africa. Doxorubicin hydrochloride is a drug that interferes with deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It can prevent DNA replication, induce DNA repair, or cause cell death. PDL delivers doxorubicin hydrochloride in very small particles called liposomes, which may improve the penetration of the drug into the tumor, allowing it to work better and produce less side effects. PTX is a drug that prevents cell replication and induces cell death. PDL and PTX are Food and Drug Administration approved treatments for AIDS-KS, but these drugs are not easily available in low-income African nations. Giving PDL or PTX may shrink or stabilize KS tumors in patients with AIDS-KS.