Three cases of malignant pheochromocytoma treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and dacarbazine combination chemotherapy and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine to control hypercatecholaminemia

Abstract

We describe 3 cases of malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases which were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dacarbazine (CVD) combination chemotherapy and alpha-methyl-p-tyrosine. Case 1 was operated on first but hypercatecholaminemia could not be completely controlled. Cases 2 and 3 received chemotherapy, CVD combination chemotherapy and/ or alpha-methyltyrosine and good control of hypercatecholaminemia was attained. In all cases it was possible to control hypercatecholaminemia during most of the time they were administered a-methyltyrosine despite the presence of tumors. None of the patients suffered hypertension crises. In our patients treatment with CVD plus a-methyl-p-tyrosine proved to be safe and ameliorated the clinical course.