Background: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare malignant sarcoma with poor prognosis due to lack of effective treatments. Apatinib is a new potent oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, and targets the intracellular domain of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). In this study, we presented a case of intra-abdominal DSRCT which was effectively treated by apatinib.
Case presentation: A 32-year-old man was admitted due to increasing urination frequency and palpable mass in right lower abdomen for 2 months. The mass was resected and diagnosed DSRCT. The patient refused chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and used Chinese medicine only. Six months after the surgery, the patient re-hospitalized due to growing abdominal mass and ascites. Intraperitoneal cisplatin treatment showed little effect. Apatinib was then recommended. Apatinib revealed outstanding effect on reducing mass size and ascites during 2-month treatment. Apatinib therapy continued for additional 2 months, and the patient was in good condition. The only toxicity was hand-food syndrome, which was controllable and well tolerated.
Conclusion: It is the first report that apatinib is effective on DSRCT. This report may provide an additional option for the treatment of metastatic DSRCT.
[1]Jilin Univ, Dept Gastrointestinal Colorectal & Anal Surg, China Japan Union Hosp, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.
[2]Jilin Univ, Dept Pathol, China Japan Union Hosp, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.
[3]Changchun Tradit Chinese Med Hosp, Dept Radiol, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.
[4]Jilin Univ, Dept Pediat Immunol Allergy & Rheumatol, Hosp 1, Changchun, Jilin, Peoples R China.
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