Case ReportThe use of bevacizumab in refractory ovarian granulosa-cell carcinoma with symptomatic relief of ascites: A case report
Introduction
Recent attention has focused on the role of bevacizumab in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer [1]. However, the potential role of bevacizumab in the treatment of sex-cord tumors such as ovarian granulosa-cell tumors has not been evaluated. We present a case of refractory ovarian granulosa-cell carcinoma treated with bevacizumab with symptomatic relief of ascites.
Section snippets
Case report
An 82 year old woman originally presented to her gynecologist with post-menopausal bleeding. An endometrial biopsy revealed simple hyperplasia. A pelvic ultrasound showed a complex left adnexal mass measuring 8 × 5 × 8 cm. The patient was referred to our institution. Pelvic exam was consistent with ultrasound findings. On review of systems the patient's only complaint in addition to vaginal bleeding was breast tenderness. Significant laboratory values included a CA125 of 41 U/mL and an inhibin >
Discussion
Tumor growth is dependent on angiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent mitogen for vascular endothelial cells [2]. Bevacizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against VEGF. In phase II trials, single-agent bevacizumab has been shown to be active in the setting of persistent, recurrent, and platinum-resistant ovarian cancer [3], [4]. Both of these studies enrolled only patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma and those with peritoneal-origin carcinoma.
Conflict of interest statement
The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
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