Successful antiangiogenic combination therapy for pseudomyxoma peritonei with bevacizumab and capecitabine

Abstract

Effective systemic therapy for advanced pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is the focus of investigation. We describe a case of PMP arising from an adenoma of the appendix in a 58-year-old man. First, the patient underwent explorative laparotomy with ileocoecal resection, but without possibility of major tumor debulking due to adhesive gross tumor masses. Subsequently, six cycles of Folfox IV chemotherapy were administered, without response, but with severe side effects. Upon progressive disease, a combination of bevacizumab and capecitabine led to a long term stabilization of disease and obvious improvement of performance status. Our case suggests that modulation of tumor microenvironment and angiogenesis by bevacizumab, potentially augmented by monochemotherapy, may be beneficial in borderline tumors such as PMP.