Excellent progression-free survival with liposomal doxorubicin for a patient with recurrent ovarian malignant mixed müllerian tumor: case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Ovarian malignant mixed müllerian tumor (MMMT) is a rare, highly aggressive, fatal disease. Patients have a median survival of 18 months and a 5-year survival rate of only 8%. Optimal cytoreduction surgery plus platinum-based combination chemotherapy are associated with better outcomes.

Case report: A 65-year-old patient of stage IIIc ovarian MMMT having obtained a 41-month remission after four courses of aggressive surgical debulking procedures, platinum-containing chemotherapy, and intraoperative radiotherapy suffered from multi-focal recurrences and obtained another 22-month progression-free survival after treatment with monthly liposomal doxorubicin (Lipo-Dox) for 14 courses and Lipo-Dox/carboplatin for subsequent 6 courses without obvious toxicity.

Discussion: Liposomal doxorubicin might be useful as salvage chemotherapy for heavily pretreated, recurrent ovarian MMMT. A prospective trial is needed for more proof.