Treatment of lymphangiomas in children: an update of Picibanil (OK-432) sclerotherapy

Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1999 Oct;121(4):381-7. doi: 10.1016/S0194-5998(99)70225-1.

Abstract

Picibanil (OK-432) is a sclerosing agent derived from a low-virulence strain of Streptococcus pyogenes that induces regression of macrocystic lymphangiomas. This report describes a prospective, nonrandomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of Picibanil in the treatment of 13 affected children ranging in age from 1 to 94 months. On average, 4.1 fluoroscopically guided intracystic injections were performed per child, with an average total dose of 0.56 mg of Picibanil. As judged by physical examination and radiographic studies, 5 children (42%) showed a complete or substantial response, and 2 children (16%) showed an intermediate response. No response was seen in 5 children (42%), 2 of whom had massive craniofacial lymphangioma. Factors that contribute to failure with Picibanil sclerotherapy are the presence of a significant microcystic component to the lesion, massive craniofacial involvement, and previous surgical resection. Macrocystic lymphangiomas of the infratemporal fossa or cervical area have the best response to therapy.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Facial Neoplasms / therapy
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Injections, Intralesional
  • Lymphangioma / therapy*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Picibanil / therapeutic use*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sclerotherapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Picibanil