[Lymphangiosarcoma treated with liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx)].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Lymphangiosarcoma is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Anthracyclines constitute the form of chemotherapy most commonly used in these patients. Unfortunately, they are poorly tolerated. We report a case of lymphangiosarcoma in an elderly woman with good response to liposomal doxorubicin, an anthracycline with lower toxicity.

CASE REPORT:

A 70 year-old-woman with a previous history of post-mastectomy lymphedema presented a painful and bleeding lymphangiosarcoma on the arm and the chest. Because of the wide extent of the tumor, surgery was not performed. The patient was treated with liposomal doxorubicin 50 mg/m2. Marked tumor regression was observed after the first course of chemotherapy. After 5 courses, 90% regression of tumor mass was seen. Pain and bleeding also stopped. Two months after the final course of liposomal doxorubicin, relapse occurred and the patient died.

DISCUSSION:

A dramatic response to liposomal doxorubicin was noted in the present case, as previously reported in a patient with an angiosarcoma of the scalp. Liposomal doxorubicin could be considered for the treatment of lymphangiosarcoma, particularly in elderly patients.

• Authors: E Verdier, P Carvalho, P Young, P Musette, P Courville, P Joly
• Journal: Annales de dermatologie et de venereologie (Ann Dermatol Venereol) Vol. 134 Issue 10 Pt 1 Pg. 760-3 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 0151-9638 [Print] France
• Vernacular Title: Lymphangiosarcome traité par doxorubicine liposomale (Caelyx).
• PMID: 17978715 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibiotics, Antineoplastic
• Liposomes
• Doxorubicin

Topics

• Aged
• Antibiotics, Antineoplastic (administration & dosage)
• Arm
• Doxorubicin (administration & dosage)
• Fatal Outcome
• Female
• Humans
• Liposomes
• Lymphangiosarcoma (drug therapy)
• Soft Tissue Neoplasms (drug therapy)