A 61-year-old postmenopausal woman with
breast cancer and carcinomatous
pleurisy was successfully treated with
bevacizumab and
paclitaxel. In December 2008, after receiving preoperative
chemotherapy consisting of q3w 4 cycles of EC (E: 90 mg/m2, C: 600 mg/m2) and 12 cycles of weekly
paclitaxel (80 mg/m2), the patient underwent
modified radical mastectomy with axillary
lymph node dissection for right
breast cancer. Pathological examination showed
residual tumor cells and
lymph node metastasis (pT4bN2M0, Stage III b). In July 2012, 3 and a half years later, she complained of a
cough and
dyspnea. Chest X-ray and computed tomography scans showed a
pleural effusion involving the entire left thoracic cavity, indicating carcinomatous
pleurisy.
Bevacizumab and
paclitaxel therapy was initiated. Soon thereafter, the pleural fluid disappeared,
tumor marker levels decreased, and symptoms were ameliorated. After 6 cycles of
bevacizumab and
paclitaxel therapy, the patient continuously received 3 cycles of weekly
paclitaxel (80 mg/m2). Two years and 4 months since the diagnosis, she has remained free of carcinomatous
pleurisy recurrence. She is currently receiving
hormone therapy on an outpatient basis.
Bevacizumab and
paclitaxel therapy is potentially effective for the treatment of patients with carcinomatous
pleurisy, providing a chance for long-term survival.