[Preoperative chemotherapy and operation for invasive Masaoke stage III and IV a thymoma].

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the effect of preoperative chemotherapy on invasive thymoma.

METHODS:

Fourteen patients with invasive thymoma (12 cases in Masaoka stage III and 2 cases in stage IV a) were treated with 3-4 cycles of CAVP (cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 D1, adriamycin 30 mg/m2 or epi-adriamycin 40 mg/m2 D1, vincristine 0.6 mg/m2 D1 or vindestine 3 mg/m2 D1, D8, cisplatin 30 mg/m2 D1, 2, 3). Following chemotherapy, patients were operated within 1-3 months. In 10 patients, sternotomy was performed and in 4 patients, anterolateral thoracotomy was performed. Radiotherapy was given with a total dose of 50-60 Gy in all patients except in those who were pathologically in complete remission. The patients were followed up for 6 months to 3 years.

RESULTS:

After chemotherapy, complete response was observed in 5 patients (35.7%) and partial response in 9 patients (64.3%). Nine patients received radical tumor resection and 5 patients received partial resection. Histologic/examination of the surgical specimens showed fibrosis of the remnant thymus in 5 patients. All but two patients survived in the follow-up period. Patient died from distant metastases at 18 and 24 months after treatment, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Preoperative chemotherapy helps increase the resectability of stage III and IV a invasive thymoma. A longer follow-up period and more patients are needed to ascertain the impact of this treatment strategy on long-term survival.

• Authors: L Tan, D Qiu, Q Wang
• Journal: Zhonghua zhong liu za zhi [Chinese journal of oncology] (Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi) Vol. 22 Issue 4 Pg. 327-9 (Jul 2000) ISSN: 0253-3766 [Print] China
• PMID: 11778563 (Publication Type: English Abstract, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Drug Therapy
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Neoplasm Staging
• Preoperative Care
• Thymoma (drug therapy, pathology)
• Treatment Outcome