[Treatment of respiratory papillomatosis--a case report on systemic treatment with bevacizumab]

Abstract

Background: Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP) is a known but rare disease, caused by human papilloma virus and characterised by multiple exophytic lesions and uncontrolled growth of papilloma in the respiratory tract. The most common complication of RRP is stenosis of the trachea. Medical therapeutic options have so far been less effective. However, inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by bevacizumab does appear to be an effective treatment option for RRP.

Case report: The case of a 32-year-old male patient with RRP who has been treated for his symptomatic tracheal stenosis four times a year since 1996 is described. Only treatment by laser ablation showed any efficacy. Alternative treatment options did not show any effect. In May 2006 intrapulmonary lesions of RRP were also diagnosed but without any malignancy. From December 2007 to June 2008 the patient has been treated with bevacizumab. A visible regression of RRP and markedly less symptoms were observed. During this treatment no further laser ablation was necessary.

Conclusion: Inhibition of VEGF by bevacizumab seems to offer a new and effective option in the medical management of RRP.