NCT01419561 · National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Natural History Study of the KSHV Inflammatory Cytokine Syndrome (KICS)
What this study is about
Background: \- KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly recognized disease caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus can cause cancer. People with KICS can have severe symptoms. They include fever, weight loss, and fluid in the legs or abdomen. People with KICS may also be at risk of getting other cancers associated with KSHV.
View original scientific description
Background: \- KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly recognized disease caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus can cause cancer. People with KICS can have severe symptoms. They include fever, weight loss, and fluid in the legs or abdomen. People with KICS may also be at risk of getting other cancers associated with KSHV. These cancers include Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma. Because KICS is a newly identified disease, more information is needed on how the disease works and what can be done to treat it. Objectives: \- To collect genetic and medical information from people with KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome. Eligibility: \- Individuals at least 18 years of age who have Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus and symptoms that resemble those caused by KICS. Design: * Participants will have regular study visits. The schedule will be determined by the study researchers. * Participants will provide a complete medical history and have a full physical exam. Blood and urine samples will be collected as well. * People with KICS that requires treatment may get new experimental treatments. These treatments may include antiviral drugs and chemotherapy drugs, depending on the nature of the disease. * Participants will have imaging studies, such as chest x-rays and computed tomography scans, to study the tumors. * Bone marrow and lymph node biopsies may be done to collect tissue samples for study. * Participants who have Kaposi sarcoma will have photographs taken of their lesions.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age greater than or equal to18 Years.
- Any HIV status.
- At least two manifestations drawn from at least two of the categories (clinical symptoms, laboratory abnormalities and/or radiographic abnormalities), which are at least possibly attributable to KICS and are not readily explicable from known medical conditions in the participant:
- Clinical symptoms (each at least grade 1 by CTCAE definitions)
- Fever (\>38 degrees C), chills or rigors
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Cachexia or edema
- Cough, dyspnea, airway hyperreactivity, or nasal inflammation
- Nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain or altered bowel habit
- Athralgia or myalgia
- Altered mental state
- Neuropathy with or without pain
- Laboratory abnormalities
- Anemia (hemoglobin\<12.0g/dL)
- Thrombocytopenia (platelets\<100,000 cells/microL)
- Leukopenia (white cell count\<4,000 cells/microL)
- Hypoalbuminemia (albumin\<3.5g/dL)
- Hyponatremia (sodium\<135mmol/L)
- Coagulopathy (PT or PTT \>1.5 times upper limit of normal)
- Radiographic Abnormalities
- Pathologic lymphadenopathy (at least five discrete nodes each \>1cm in their longest dimension)
- Splenomegaly (\>12 cm in the longest dimension)
- Hepatomegaly (\>17cm in the longest dimension)
- Body cavity effusions not caused by primary effusion lymphoma nor chylous effusions directly related to lymphatic infiltration by KS
- C-reactive protein (CRP) \>3mg/L.
- Exposure risk for KSHV infection (including being a first or second generation immigrant from an endemic area, or male-to-male sexual activity) or evidence of KSHV infection demonstrated by one of:
- Molecular evidence of KSHV in whole blood, or KSHV VL levels within circulating PBMCs as determined by the Whitby laboratory
- Immunohistochemical evidence of KSHV in tissues (for example by staining for LANA or vIL-6) confirmed in the Laboratory of Pathology (LP), CCR, NCI.
- Presence of KS or PEL (KSHV-associated malignancies), confirmed in the LP, CCR, NCI.
- Women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP) and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and after treatment (if received), according to drug requirements. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.
Exclusion criteria
- \- Biopsy proven KSHV-associated MCD, confirmed in the LP, CCR, NCI. Note: In collaboration with LP, we have recently found that some participants with KICS but without a lymph node or splenic diagnosis of MCD have MCD-like cells in their effusions or circulating blood. This may in fact represent a newly recognized form of KSHV-MCD, but our analysis continues. While certain of these participants were historically included in this study, given this new understanding, they will not be entered on this protocol and removed if liquid MCD is diagnosed.
- Any abnormality that would be scored as NCI CTC Grade 4 toxicity that is unrelated to HIV, its treatment, or to KICS that would preclude the use of all of the study treatments or the ability to monitor the natural history of KICS untreated.
- Any condition or set of circumstances that in the opinion of the investigators would make participation in this study unsafe or otherwise inappropriate for a given individual.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 30, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations