Patients Sought for Cancer Drug Study

The Center for Special Immunology is enrolling patients for a study of the first external treatment for Kaposi’s sarcoma, a form of skin cancer affecting nearly 20% of HIV and AIDS patients.

The new drug, being tested by Ligand Pharmaceuticals of San Diego, is applied directly to lesions caused by the disease.

If it proves to be effective, it could eliminate the need for more drastic forms of therapy, said Sandra Cassarella, research coordinator.

The Center for Special Immunology is a national research institute for people with HIV and AIDS.

It has operations in several cities, including Irvine.

Information: (714) 753-0670.