Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, with up to 20% of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1) afflicted with this multifocal, systemic disease. For many years, scientists have striven to understand the complex pathogenesis of KS. Although experts generally agree on several key points [such as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) being necessary but not sufficient for the development of KS], many questions still remain unanswered. This review summarises current theories on the molecular pathogenesis of KS, including the role of HHV-8, HIV-related proteins and growth factors in the initiation and progression of AIDS-related KS.