Recurrent angiosarcoma effectively treated with superselective continuous intra-arterial injection of recombinant interleukin-2 combined with radiotherapy

Abstract

We report a case of recurrent angiosarcoma (AS) in a 63-year-old man, effectively treated with a superselective continuous intra-arterial injection of recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) combined with electron beam radiotherapy. The patient, who had undergone surgical resection for AS on his face near the nasal bridge, was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent AS on his bilateral cheeks. We placed 4-French catheters in the right external carotid artery (ECA) and superselectively in the left facial artery. A continuous intra-arterial injection of rIL-2 was administered in combination with radiotherapy using a 6 MeV electron beam. The lesion rapidly decreased in size. The total dose of rIL-2 was 3.72 × 107 IU (International Unit) in the right ECA and 2.96 × 107 IU in the left facial artery, while the total radiation dose was 50 Gy, in 25 fractions, for the tumor on the right cheek and 46 Gy, in 23 fractions, for the erythematous plaque on the left cheek. The patient was discharged with almost no cutaneous lesion on his cheeks. Unfortunately, there was another recurrence of AS and the patient died of respiratory failure due to lung metastases. However, as the lesion could be completely controlled even for a while, we believe this treatment method will contribute to the future management of AS.