Nicotine Skin Patch in Treating Patients With Kaposi's Sarcoma

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven classic Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) At least 2 KS lesions that can be measured (minimum diameter 0.5 cm to maximum diameter 3 cm) and located on body sites (leg, arm, torso, dorsum of foot or hand) to which a patch can be applied A third measurable lesion (if available) of the same size can be located on any body site KS lesions must be separated by at least 8.0 cm at their centers and 6.0 cm at closest edges Patient must be a nonsmoker No smoking, chewing, or other use of tobacco within the past year PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: HIV antibody negative Willing to shower or bathe no more than every other day No life-threatening conditions Not pregnant Fertile patients must use effective contraception Chronic conditions (e.g., hypertension or diabetes) must be stable and well controlled No history of HIV/AIDS, unstable angina pectoris, or claudication ECOG performance status 0-1 PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: No prior biopsy of the selected KS lesion(s) within the past 90 days No prior systemic therapy for KS within the past 90 days No concurrent systemic or local conventional treatment for KS No prior use of a nicotine product within the past year No prior surgery, chemotherapy, biologic therapy, or radiotherapy within the past 90 days No prior organ allograft