Recurrent Hepatic Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Cured by Doxorubicin and Ifosfamide Chemotherapy

• Published in: Journal of cancer research and practice 2015-09, Vol.2 (3), p.241-247
• Main Authors: 林明恩(Ming-En Lin), 黃懷正(Huai-Cheng Huang)
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: chemotherapy; doxorubicin; Hematology, Oncology and Palliative Medicine; ifosfamide; sarcomatoid carcinoma
• ISSN: 2311-3006; 2311-3006
• DOI: 10.6323/JCRP.2015.2.3.07

Abstract Hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm composed of both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components. It has a higher risk of relapse and distant metastasis compared with ordinary hepatocellular carcinoma despite of radical resection. To date, there is no effective treatment available for patients with metastatic hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma, and their prognosis is extremely poor. We present a case of hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma relapsing after surgical resection in which complete remission was achieved by chemotherapy. This 68 year-old female patient was diagnosed with a 5.7 cm liver tumor with partial portal vein thrombosis. She underwent right hepatic lobectomy and cholecystectomy. Pathology revealed hepatic sarcomatoid carcinoma with venous invasion. Multiple recurrent intrahepatic tumors and lymphadenopathies were found by CT scan 3 months after surgical resection. She received salvage chemotherapy consisting of seven cycles of doxorubicin and ifosfamide and achieved complete remission. She has remained disease free.