Secondary breast angiosarcoma and paclitaxel-dependent prolonged disease control: report of two cases and review of the literature

Tumori. 2015 Apr 28;101(2):e60-3. doi: 10.5301/tj.5000252.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Female
  • Hemangiosarcoma / drug therapy*
  • Hemangiosarcoma / prevention & control*
  • Humans
  • Induction Chemotherapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / prevention & control*
  • Paclitaxel / administration & dosage
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic
  • Paclitaxel

Supplementary concepts

  • Angiosarcoma of the breast