Secondary Breast Angiosarcoma and Paclitaxel-dependent Prolonged Disease Control: Report of Two Cases and Review of the Literature. Issue 2 (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gambini, Donatella; Visintin, Roberto; Locatelli, Elisa; Bareggi, Claudia; Galassi, Barbara; Runza, Letterio; Blundo, Concerta; Sosnovskikh, Irina; Tomirotti, Maurizio
• Is Part Of: Tumori. Volume 101:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: e60
• Page End: e63
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Angiogenesis -- Paclitaxel -- Secondary breast angiosarcoma; Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.5301/tj.5000252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0300-8916

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.