Effect of Lipodox in combination with bevacizumab in a patient with a metastatic malignant phyllodes breast tumor: A case report

A 76-year-old female patient with a malignant phyllodes tumor underwent modified radical mastectomy and wide excision. Multiple nodules were observed in the operated wound area. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) revealed recurrent disease in the left breast, the adjacent left third rib, the left internal mammary region and the left ilium. A novel formulation of bevacizumab (5 mg/m(2), first day) in combination with liposomal doxorubicin (Lipodox, 30 mg/m(2), second day) was administered for 3 cycles every 2 weeks, and subsequently wide excision was performed. Lipodox (40 mg/m(2)) was administered for 3 cycles every 3 weeks, starting 4 weeks after the surgery. Follow-up whole body PET-CT scanning, 3 and 6 months later, indicated no sign of residual hypermetabolic malignancy. Malignant phyllodes tumors do not usually respond to chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the present case report, a novel formulation of bevacizumab in combination with Lipodox was administered as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in a patient with a malignant phyllodes tumor and preoperative tumor shrinkage was achieved, resulting in clear resection margins.