Effective apatinib treatment of pleomorphic liposarcoma: A case report

RATIONALE: Pleomorphic liposarcoma (PLS) is a rare and aggressive malignant tumor, and both radiation and conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy remain controversial for metastatic or unresectable disease. PATIENT CONCERNS: We presented an 81-year-old Chinese woman with advanced PLS who received apatinib after failure chemotherapy. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as having PLS by biopsy. Interventions: After a failed chemotherapy, apatinib started to be taken orally 425 mg per day. OUTCOMES: This patient achieved 3-month progression-free survival (PFS) and a higher quality of life. Meanwhile, this patient suffered grade 2 hypertension and grade 3 hand–foot syndrome (HFS). Lessons: In this case, apatinib presented good efficacy and safety to treat PLS. Randomized clinical studies are required to confirm the efficacy and safety of apatinib in the treatment of PLS.