Secondary breast angiosarcoma and paclitaxel-dependent prolonged disease control: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Abstract

Secondary breast angiosarcomas are a well-known entity generally characterized by a poor outcome, especially in patients with advanced disease. Among the drugs with demonstrated activity, taxane derivatives are one of the most effective histology-driven treatments against angiosarcomas. We report two cases of secondary breast angiosarcoma, both characterized by a very peculiar behavior towards paclitaxel. Both patients showed local recurrence of angiosarcoma after primary surgery, and they achieved complete remission following treatment with weekly paclitaxel. When a locoregional recurrence was observed as a result of a brief treatment interruption or a treatment delay, a new complete remission was rapidly achieved with the resumption of the drug, without evidence of any significant adverse effects.

• Authors: Donatella Gambini, Roberto Visintin, Elisa Locatelli, Claudia Bareggi, Barbara Galassi, Letterio Runza, Concetta Blundo, Irina Sosnovskikh, Maurizio Tomirotti
• Journal: Tumori (Tumori) Vol. 101 Issue 2 Pg. e60-3 (Apr 28 2015) ISSN: 2038-2529 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25744864 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
• Paclitaxel

Topics

• Aged, 80 and over
• Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Breast Neoplasms (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Hemangiosarcoma (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Humans
• Induction Chemotherapy
• Middle Aged
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local (drug therapy, prevention & control)
• Paclitaxel (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome