Radiotherapy in multilocalized lymphedema-associated angiosarcoma.

Abstract

We report an 80-year-old woman, suffering from a recurrence of a multilocalized lymphedema-associated angiosarcoma of the right arm. The tumor consisted of solid tumor cell formations and "classical" spongiform tumor complexes. In the tumor periphery, pathological endothelial cell proliferates on pre-existing dilated lymphatic capillaries were detectable, which, together with immunohistology (CD 31+/Desmoplakin-1-2.17+/CD 34-), supported the diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma. Complete remission was achieved under radioimmunotherapy (54 Gy/Interferon beta). A further recurrence 3 months later outside the primary therapy fields was successfully treated with radiotherapy alone. During a follow-up observation period of 3 years, there was neither local recurrence nor metastasis. This case demonstrates for the first time the long-lasting efficacy of photon radiation in a case of histologically-defined lymphangiosarcoma. Further studies should elucidate the suitability of radio monotherapy as first-line therapy in lymphedema-associated angiosarcoma with lymphatic endothelium-like immunohistology.

• Authors: Beate Danz, Andrea Hellmann, Volker Stadie, Jürgen Dunst, Christine Richter, Wolfgang Ch Marsch, Peter Helmbold
• Journal: European journal of dermatology : EJD (Eur J Dermatol) 2005 Nov-Dec Vol. 15 Issue 6 Pg. 474-7 ISSN: 1167-1122 [Print] France
• PMID: 16280302 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Female
• Hemangiosarcoma (complications, pathology, radiotherapy)
• Humans
• Lymphedema (complications)
• Skin Neoplasms (complications, pathology, radiotherapy)