A 74-year-old man diagnosed with
idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (
ITP) nine years ago, was referred to our hospital because of
cecal cancer. After the infusion of a high dose of
gamma globulin preoperatively, iliocecal resection and
splenectomy were performed. His blood platelet count did not increase much postoperatively, therefore,
adjuvant chemotherapy was not performed. After one year,
metastases of the liver, lung, and lymph node of the para aorta were revealed by CT. Since high-dose
steroid therapy was effective temporarily, we decided to perform mFOLFOX
chemotherapy. After that, his blood platelet count increased gradually to the normal range, and
steroid therapy was no longer required. His blood platelet count remained in the normal range after changing the mFOLFOX
chemotherapy to FOLFIRI and
XELOX chemotherapy. Some studies reported the effect of
chemotherapy on refractory
ITP, but no one has reported the effect of
chemotherapy for
colon cancer refractory to
ITP. We concluded that
chemotherapy for
colon cancer can be indicated for refractory
ITP.