Neoadjuvant intracarotid chemotherapy for treatment of advanced adenocystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate a new chemotherapeutic regimen as an adjunct to the conventional surgical management of patients with advanced adenocystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland.


METHODS
Two patients with extensive adenocystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland were treated with intracarotid cisplatin and intravenous doxorubicin hydrochloride prior to orbital exenteration. Postoperatively, the patients received 55 to 60 Gy of orbital irradiation, augmented by additional intravenous cisplatin and doxorubicin. Serial clinical and computed tomographic scan examinations were performed to monitor for evidence of recurrent disease.


RESULTS
Tumor shrinkage was documented radiographically following this preoperative chemotherapy regimen, downstaging the disease in one case from intracranial involvement to a more surgically amenable intraorbital process. Tumor necrosis was confirmed in the exenteration specimen. Limited morbidity was experienced and both patients have achieved long-term survival to date of 9 1/2 years (114 months) and 7 1/2 years (94 months).


CONCLUSIONS
To our knowledge, this is the first report of the efficacy of neoadjuvant intracarotid chemotherapy in the treatment of an advanced adenocystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland. The combination of cisplatin and doxorubicin and the methods of drug delivery may be factors contributory to the favorable response. The results of this new treatment regimen are encouraging and justify further investigation.
Meldrum
M L
ML
Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Fla, USA.
Tse
D T
DT
Benedetto
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003528:Carcinoma, Adenoid Cystic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D002342:Carotid Artery, External; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D002945:Cisplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D006801:Humans; D007261:Infusions, Intra-Arterial; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007766:Lacrimal Apparatus Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D017233:Orbit Evisceration; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D011838:Radiation-Sensitizing Agents; D004317:Doxorubicin; D002945:Cisplatin