Refractory recurrent thymoma successfully treated with long-acting somatostatin analogue and prednisolone

Abstract

The patient was 54-year-old woman diagnosed as recurrent invasive thymoma (type B3; WHO classification).

Although partial response was obtained by systemic chemotherapy (PAC: cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide), the tumor started to become enlarged after cessation of chemotherapy.

Combined treatment of octreotide and prednisolone was administrated because various chemotherapies, including PAC, were not effective.

After seven months, the tumor size was markedly decreased.

The combination of octreotide and prednisolone should be considered as one of the choices of treatment in patients with recurrent thymoma.

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See also Somatostatin in oncology, the overlooked evidences.