Vascular Tumor (vascular + tumor)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Vascular Tumor

  • malignant vascular tumor


  • Selected Abstracts


    Primary pleural epithelioid hemangioendothelioma with rhabdoid phenotype: Report and review of the literature

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 4 2007
    Anjali Saqi M.D.
    Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor described in diverse locations including lung and liver. Relative to these sites, primary EHE of the serous cavities is uncommon. EHE in the serous cavities mimics mesothelioma and adenocarcinoma clinically, radiographically, cytologically, and histologically. EHEs have plasmacytoid epithelioid cells with cytoplasmic vacuoles. In addition to these features, we noted eccentric nuclei with abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm and nuclei displaced peripherally by globular cytoplasmic inclusions imparting a ,rhabdoid' phenotype. These cells were often seen surrounding a hyaline core. Rhabdoid features are not unique to a single entity, and a comprehensive immunohistochemical panel is essential. We report the occurrence of pleural EHE with rhabdoid features presenting in a pleural effusion, and review the literature of primary serosal EHEs. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2007;35:203,208. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Fine needle aspiration biopsy of epithelioid hemangioendothelioma of the oral cavity: Report of one case and review of literature

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 3 2006
    Guo-Xia Tong M.D., Ph.D.
    Abstract Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is an uncommon vascular tumor with biological behavior intermediate between hemangioma and angiosarcoma. It rarely occurs in the oral cavity. We report a case of an 81-yr-old woman with a 2-mo history of a 2 × 2 cm2 submucosal buccal mass. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears were paucicellular and showed mainly single atypical large epithelioid cells in a bloody background. The atypical cells had abundant dense cytoplasm, some with fine vacuoles. Occasionally, cells with large cytoplasmic lumina were seen. Cytology preparations from fresh tissue received for frozen section revealed numerous neoplastic cells with large intracytoplasmic lumina, some of which contained red blood cells. In addition, cells with distinct intranuclear inclusions were present. Histologic sections and immunohistochemical stains confirmed the diagnosis of EHE. Although the histologic features of EHE are well recognized, reports of FNA cytology findings are sparsely existent in the literature as several case reports. The characteristic cytological features of EHE are reviewed in this report. We believe that the diagnosis of this rare tumor can be suggested when an adequate FNA specimen is obtained. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2006;34:218,223. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Fine-needle aspiration of synovial sarcoma: Criteria for diagnosis: Retrospective reexamination of 37 cases, including ancillary diagnostics.

    DIAGNOSTIC CYTOPATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2003
    A Scandinavian sarcoma group study
    Abstract The cytologic criteria of synovial sarcoma in fine-needle aspirates were defined by a retrospective examination of 37 primary tumors. Irrespective of subtype, a typical pattern at low power was found, provided the yield was rich. The typical pattern was a mixture of dispersed cells with the presence of striped nuclei and cell-tight tumor tissue fragments with irregular borders. Often a branching network of vessels was present in the fragments, imitating a true vascular tumor. Except in poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas, the tumor cells were, small to medium in size, with rounded, ovoid, or fusiform bland nuclei with inconspicuous nucleoli. In the biphasic variant, small glandular- or acinar-like structures were present, although not in all cases. In the poorly differentiated type, however, the cellular pleomorphism was marked with the presence of cells with irregular nuclei and rhabdomyoblast-like cells, corresponding to the pleomorphic variant. The Ewing's sarcoma-like and the atypical spindle cell variants of poorly differentiated synovial sarcoma were not diagnosed in the material. An unequivocal diagnosis of sarcoma is possible when the yield is rich. However, ancillary diagnostics are necessary for a correct diagnosis, to avoid important pitfalls, such as other sarcomas with bland tumor cells and vessel-rich tumor fragments, in particular, solitary fibrous tumor and true hemangiopericytoma. Electron microscopic and/or molecular genetic analyses were better diagnostic adjuncts than immunocytochemistry. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;28:232,238. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Primary hemangiopericytoma of the liver: Sonographic findings

    JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ULTRASOUND, Issue 5 2009
    Settimo Caruso MD
    Abstract Hemangiopericytoma (HP) is an uncommon vascular tumor that rarely develops in the liver. We present the case of a 68-year-old female with a primary HP involving the right lobe of the liver, detected during an abdominal screening sonography. The lesion was further evaluated using multidetector CT. The patient was treated with a right hepatectomy, and a pathologic diagnosis was made. Two years later, there was no evidence of recurrence. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2009 [source]


    Overexpression of phosphorylated-ATF2 and STAT3 in cutaneous angiosarcoma and pyogenic granuloma

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2008
    Si-Yuan Chen
    Background:, Activating transcription factor-2/Activator protein-1 (AP-1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 and p53 are important regulators of cellular proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation in the pathogenesis of many human tumors, but the expression of phosphorylated (p)-activating transcription factor-2 (p-ATF2), phosphorylated (p)-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3) and p53 family (p63 and p73) has not been investigated in cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) and pyogenic granuloma (PG) so far. Objectives:, To investigate the expression of p-ATF2, p-STAT3 and p53 and its family in cutaneous vascular tumors (CAS and PG). Methods:, Paraffin-embedded specimens of 14 CAS and 19 PG were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for p-ATF2, p-STAT3, p53, p63 and p73. Results:, P-ATF2 was expressed in 13 out of 14 CAS and in all of 19 PG. P-STAT3 was expressed in all of 14 CAS and 19 PG. P53 was expressed in all of 14 CAS and 19 PG, while both p63 and p73 were negative in CAS and PG. The p-ATF2-, p-STAT3- and p53 expression (% positive cells) in CAS and PG were significantly higher than in normal dermal vessels, but none of these transcription factors distinguished malignant (CAS)- from benign (PG) vascular tumor. Conclusions:, The present study suggests that overexpression of p-ATF2, p-STAT3 and possibly p53, but not p63 or p73, may contribute to the tumorigenesis of cutaneous vascular tumors. [source]


    Dabska tumor arising in lymphangioma circumscriptum

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
    Patrick O. Emanuel
    We describe a case of Dabska tumor (DT) occurring within a large congenital lymphangioma circumscriptum on the thigh of a 14-year-old female. Diagnostic biopsy showed numerous intravascular papillary projections lined by atypical endothelial cells within the anastomosing vascular channels of a lymphangioma circumscriptum. DT is regarded as a vascular tumor of intermediate malignant potential, most probably of lymphatic origin. Although it has been described in pre-existing lymphangiomas, to the best of our knowledge this is the first case to be described in a pre-existing lymphangioma circumscriptum. During a follow-up of 9 years, the lymphangioma circumscriptum has recurred, but there has been no evidence of DT recurrence or metastasis. [source]


    Acquired progressive lymphangioma in an HIV-positive patient

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
    Aimee S. Paik
    Acquired progressive lymphangioma (APL) is a rare condition characterized by benign proliferation of thin-walled vessels lined by flattened endothelial cells.1,4 Although benign, the acquired nature of this tumor may lead to misdiagnosis as a malignant vascular tumor. This is especially true if the patient has risk factors, such as immunodeficiency. In this article, the authors present a case of APL in an HIV-positive man. [source]


    Human Herpesvirus-8: A Useful Marker for Distinguishing Kaposi Sarcoma and Kaposi Sarcoma-like Pyogenic Granuloma

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2005
    A. Uzieblo
    Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a vascular neoplasm associated with human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection. On occasion, KS may histologically mimic pyogenic granulomas (PG), a common benign vascular tumor of the skin. Using immunoperoxidase stains, we examined 28 PG and 4 PG-like KS for HHV-8 to determine the specificity of positive staining in this setting. All PG-like KS demonstrated nuclear staining for HHV-8. No staining was identified in any of the PG. Furthermore, histologic criteria often used to differentiate between these two entities were not helpful in difficult cases. The only distinguishing features were the presence/absence of HHV-8 staining and, in some cases, clinical history. The presence of HHV-8 nuclear staining appears to be a specific marker for KS when comparing PG and PG-like KS. Given the lack of distinguishing morphologic criteria, we suggest performing immunoperoxidase stains for HHV-8 on any PG occurring in a clinically atypical setting. [source]


    Hobnail hemangiomas (targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas) are true lymphangiomas

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 5 2004
    Folker E. Franke
    Background:, Hobnail hemangioma (targetoid hemosiderotic hemangioma) is a small benign vascular tumor of the superficial and mid-dermis. In contrast to its well-characterized histology, it has been unclear whether this tumor arises from blood vessel endothelial cells (BECs) or lymphatic vessel endothelial cells (LECs). Methods:, We analyzed 10 hobnail hemangiomas by immunohistochemistry, using the recently described lymphatic endothelial cell marker, D2-40. For comparison, CD31, CD34, and ,-smooth muscle actin expression were studied in consecutive sections of the paraffin-embedded tissues. Results:, In all analyzed vessels, D2-40 labeled exclusively LECs, whereas BECs were consistently negative. In contrast to capillary BECs, either neighboring the tumors or intermingled, neoplastic endothelial cells of all 10 hobnail hemangiomas were strongly labeled by D2-40. Conclusions:, The results suggest a lymphatic origin for hobnail hemangiomas. This view is further supported by the CD34 negativity of endothelial cells and the lack of actin-labeled pericytes in hobnail hemangiomas, both characteristic of lymphatic vessels. Moreover, our analysis revealed that microshunts between neoplastic lymphatic vascular channels and small blood vessels occur, explaining some features of hobnail hemangiomas, such as aneurysmatic microstructures, erythrocytes within and beneath neoplastic vascular spaces, inflammatory changes, scarring, and interstitial hemosiderin deposits. [source]


    Neonates with severe infantile hepatic hemangioendothelioma: Limitations of liver transplantation

    PEDIATRIC TRANSPLANTATION, Issue 5 2009
    Enke Grabhorn
    Abstract:, IHHE as the most common vascular tumor of the liver in infancy can present with acute postnatal liver and congestive heart failure. LTx may be a lifesaving option, but can be complicated by extrahepatic involvement and bleeding complications, especially in neonates. Here we discuss the benefit of LTx in cases of acute postnatal deterioration and massive extent of the hepatic tumor. Three infants with IHHE were transplanted at our institution between 2005 and 2007. Two were neonates with acute postnatal decompensation and progressive liver and heart failure within days. Treatment with steroids and chemotherapy was ineffective; resection surgery and interventional treatment were not considered appropriate. LTx was performed at the age of 7 and 24 days, respectively. An additional infant with a bilobar tumor that evolved more slowly was transplanted on day-of-life 56. Patients 1 and 2 had to be resuscitated during the LTx procedure because of massive bleeding and both died during the procedure. Patient 3 had a complicated post-operative course but is doing well one-yr post-LTx. Neonates with extended hepatic and extrahepatic involvement of IHHE should be evaluated carefully prior to LTx. Whenever possible, alternative interventional treatment options should be considered. [source]


    Splenic cord capillary hemangioma and anemia: Resolution after splenectomy

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY, Issue 7 2006
    Meredith Kato
    Abstract A 59-year-old female presented with isolated anemia and a splenic mass. Standard histology and immunohistochemical techniques categorized the splenic lesion as a cord capillary hemangioma. The patient's anemia resolved following splenectomy. Cord capillary hemangiomas are exceedingly rare with few reports in the literature. This is the first reported case of resolution of anemia after splenectomy for a vascular tumor of the spleen. Am. J. Hematol. 81:538,542, 2006. © 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Recent progress in studies of infantile hemangioma

    THE JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2010
    Masatoshi JINNIN
    Abstract A hallmark of infantile hemangioma, the most common tumor of infancy, is its dramatic growth after birth, by diffuse proliferation of immature endothelial cells, followed by spontaneous regression. The growth and involution of infantile hemangioma is quite different from other vascular anomalies, which do not regress and can occur at any time during life. Some hemangioma lesions can be extremely disfiguring and destructive to normal tissue and may even be life-threatening. Unfortunately, existing therapeutic approaches have limited success and significant adverse effects of some treatment modalities limit their use. Better understanding of the pathogenesis of hemangioma will enable the development of better therapeutic strategies. Here, we review recent studies and new hypotheses on the pathogenesis of the tumor. Detailed mechanisms of activated vascular endothelial growth factor signaling in tumor cells, identification of their origin and characterization of multipotent stem cells that can give rise to infantile hemangioma are shedding new light on this intriguing vascular tumor. [source]


    Angiofibroma of the larynx: Report of a case with clinical and pathologic literature review,

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 8 2002
    Matthew H. Steele MD
    Abstract Background Angiofibromas are uncommon vascular tumors with a strong predilection for the nasopharynx of adolescent males. Although they are slow growing and histologically benign, they have the potential to cause significant morbidity with laryngeal involvement. Methods We describe the clinical characteristics, histopathologic findings, differential diagnosis, preoperative evaluation, and management of a case of laryngeal angiofibroma. Results The patient was initially seen with a 2½-year history of progressive dyspnea and dysphagia. Preoperative evaluation suggested a vascular mass involving the left supraglottic larynx. A partial laryngopharyngectomy was performed without complication. The patient is alive and disease free 3 years postoperatively. Final histopathologic diagnosis is consistent with angiofibroma. Conclusions Laryngeal angiofibroma is an extremely rare entity. Adequate preoperative imaging is necessary to confirm the vascularity of this lesion, because ill-planned biopsy may lead to significant blood loss. The role of preoperative embolization of other laryngeal vascular lesions has been well documented and may be useful in the management of laryngeal angiofibroma. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 24: 805,809, 2002 [source]


    Combined endovascular and surgical treatment of head and neck paragangliomas,A team approach,

    HEAD & NECK: JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES & SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK, Issue 5 2002
    Mark S. Persky MD
    Abstract Background Paragangliomas are highly vascular tumors of neural crest origin that involve the walls of blood vessels or specific nerves within the head and neck. They may be multicentric, and they are rarely malignant. Surgery is the preferred treatment, and these tumors frequently extend to the skull base. There has been controversy concerning the role of preoperative angiography and embolization of these tumors and the benefits that these procedures offer in the evaluation and management of paragangliomas. Methods Forty-seven patients with 53 paragangliomas were treated from the period of 1990,2000. Initial evaluation usually included CT and/or MRI. All patients underwent bilateral carotid angiography, embolization of the tumor nidus, and cerebral angiography to define the patency of the circle of Willis. Carotid occlusion studies were performed with the patient under neuroleptic anesthesia when indicated. The tumors were excised within 48 hours of embolization. Results Carotid body tumors represented the most common paraganglioma, accounting for 28 tumors (53%). All patients underwent angiography and embolization with six patients (13%), demonstrating complications (three of these patients had embolized tumor involving the affected nerves). Cerebral angiography was performed in 28 patients, and 5 of these patients underwent and tolerated carotid occlusion studies. The range of mean blood loss according to tumor type was 450 to 517 mL. Postoperative cranial nerve dysfunction depended on the tumor type resected. Carotid body tumor surgery frequently required sympathetic chain resection (21%), with jugular and vagal paraganglioma removal frequently resulting in lower cranial nerve resection. These patients required various modes of postoperative rehabilitation, especially vocal cord medialization and swallowing therapy. Conclusions The combined endovascular and surgical treatment of paragangliomas is acceptably safe and effective for treating these highly vascular neoplasms. Adequate resection may often require sacrifice of one or more cranial nerves, and appropriate rehabilitation is important in the treatment regimen. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [source]


    Overexpression of phosphorylated-ATF2 and STAT3 in cutaneous angiosarcoma and pyogenic granuloma

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 8 2008
    Si-Yuan Chen
    Background:, Activating transcription factor-2/Activator protein-1 (AP-1), Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 and p53 are important regulators of cellular proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation in the pathogenesis of many human tumors, but the expression of phosphorylated (p)-activating transcription factor-2 (p-ATF2), phosphorylated (p)-signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (p-STAT3) and p53 family (p63 and p73) has not been investigated in cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) and pyogenic granuloma (PG) so far. Objectives:, To investigate the expression of p-ATF2, p-STAT3 and p53 and its family in cutaneous vascular tumors (CAS and PG). Methods:, Paraffin-embedded specimens of 14 CAS and 19 PG were subjected to immunohistochemical staining for p-ATF2, p-STAT3, p53, p63 and p73. Results:, P-ATF2 was expressed in 13 out of 14 CAS and in all of 19 PG. P-STAT3 was expressed in all of 14 CAS and 19 PG. P53 was expressed in all of 14 CAS and 19 PG, while both p63 and p73 were negative in CAS and PG. The p-ATF2-, p-STAT3- and p53 expression (% positive cells) in CAS and PG were significantly higher than in normal dermal vessels, but none of these transcription factors distinguished malignant (CAS)- from benign (PG) vascular tumor. Conclusions:, The present study suggests that overexpression of p-ATF2, p-STAT3 and possibly p53, but not p63 or p73, may contribute to the tumorigenesis of cutaneous vascular tumors. [source]


    Expression of the caveolins in dermal vascular tumors

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 1 2001
    Michael B. Morgan
    Introduction: Histopathologic criteria are usually sufficient for the accurate distinction of benign from malignant dermal vascular tumors. A minority of cases, however, pose a vexing diagnostic dilemma. Recent studies suggest that caveolin, a scaffolding cell membrane protein, may prove helpful in predicting the biologic behavior of endothelial-derived neoplasms. Methods: We analyzed a series of 30 dermal vascular tumors including 12 lobular capillary hemangiomas (LCH), 4 cases of targetoid hemosiderotic hemangiomas (TH), 4 cases of tufted angioma (TA), 12 cases of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), 4 epithelioid (EH) and 1 spindle cell hemangioendothelioma (SH), and 4 cases of angiosarcoma (AS). The distribution of immunoreactivity was analyzed by quantifying cell membrane staining in each case. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the expression of caveolin between LCH (mean labeling index=91.6), TH (mean labeling index=89.7), and TA (mean labeling index=87.2) and the cases of KS (mean labeling index=21.6, EH mean labeling index=23.1), and the AS ( mean labeling index=6.3). Conclusions: These results indicate that antibodies to caveolin may be useful in separating benign and malignant dermal vascular tumors and possibly implicates this peptide in their pathogenesis. [source]


    Unique vascular tumor primary arising in the liver and exhibiting histopathological features consistent with so-called polymorphous hemangioendothelioma

    PATHOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, Issue 12 2009
    Lorenzo Cobianchi
    Reported herein is an unusual vascular tumor primary arising in the liver and exhibiting unique histopathological features. A 47-year-old woman underwent left hepatectomy because of a large hepatic mass. On histology the tumor had a composite pattern, consisting of angiomatous, retiform and solid areas, formed by oval to cuboidal to spindle cells, that expressed only endothelial markers (CD31 and factor VIII-related antigen). These findings led to the diagnosis of a low-grade vascular neoplasm with morphological features consistent with so-called polymorphous hemangioendothelioma. The tumor was completely resected. At 24 month follow up the patient was alive, without evidence of disease. Polymorphous hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular neoplasm, with borderline malignant potential, which usually occurs in lymph nodes and, rarely, at extranodal sites. Its classification as an entity has been questioned recently. The unusual morphological features of the present case, which do not fit neatly with any other recognized hemangioendothelioma subtype, indicate that the family of vascular tumors is broader than currently accepted. In addition the present case widens the spectrum of primary vascular tumors arising in the liver. [source]


    Antiangiogenesis agents in the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas

    CANCER, Issue 5 2010
    Kristen Ganjoo MD
    Abstract Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that includes >50 different subtypes, each with unique clinical and pathologic qualities. In general, there is a 50% cure rate, and most cures are achieved with complete surgical resection with or without radiation therapy. The results from chemotherapeutic agents for unresectable or metastatic disease have been disappointing with minimal long-term benefit. New targeted and novel agents are needed to improve response and survival. Tumor angiogenesis has been an intense focus in cancer therapy over the past decade. Several of numerous antiangiogenesis agents have been developed, and many already have been approved for the treatment of both solid and liquid tumors. Certain STSs are highly vascular tumors that often demonstrate angiogenesis markers. The objective of this review was to evaluate these angiogenesis markers in defining the role of angiogenesis in the treatment of patients with STS. In addition, the authors conducted an in-depth review of the results from using key antiangiogenesis agents in the treatment of STS. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society. [source]


    Expression of cyclic guanosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase in metastatic colon carcinoma cells blocks tumor angiogenesis

    CANCER, Issue 7 2008
    In-Kiu Kwon PhD
    Abstract BACKGROUND Type 1 cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKG) reportedly has exhibited antitumor properties, and its expression is down-regulated in many tumors. METHODS The authors recently demonstrated that PKG re-expression in metastatic colon carcinoma cells results in decreased tumorigenesis: In the current study, they addressed that mechanism. RESULTS Over-expression of PKG in SW620 cells produced smaller, more apoptotic subcutaneous tumors in athymic mice, but the observed effect of PKG expression on growth and apoptosis in vitro was minimal. Closer examination of the subcutaneous xenografts revealed highly vascular tumors produced by the parental SW620 cells, which contrasted greatly with the PKG-expressing tumors, in which cell growth was limited to "islands" surrounding CD31-positive cells. The idea that PKG expression was associated with reduced tumor angiogenesis was supported by decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in these tumors compared with tumors that were derived from parental SW620 cells. Investigation of potential mechanisms revealed that PKG expression was associated with reduced levels of ,-catenin compared with parental cells. Moreover, this effect of exogenous PKG on ,-catenin expression in SW620 cells also occurred in vitro, where the decrease was associated with reduced T-cell factor-dependent transcription. CONCLUSIONS Together the findings indicated that PKG down-regulation in colon cancer cells is important for optimal tumor angiogenesis and that regulation of ,-catenin expression may be important to this process. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society. [source]


    Antiangiogenetic therapy with pioglitazone, rofecoxib, and metronomic trofosfamide in patients with advanced malignant vascular tumors

    CANCER, Issue 10 2003
    Thomas Vogt M.D.
    Abstract BACKGROUND Systemic therapy options for patients with advanced angiosarcomas are limited, and their prognosis is poor. The idea of angiostatic therapy following the paradigm of metronomic dosed chemotherapeutics combined with proapoptotic biomodulators had not been considered previously in these patients. Therefore, in a pilot study, the efficacy of metronomically scheduled, low-dose trofosfamide in combination with the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor , agonist, pioglitazone, and the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, rofecoxib, was evaluated in patients with advanced vascular malignancies. METHODS Six patients with advanced and pretreated but progressive, malignant vascular tumors (5 angiosarcomas and 1 hemangioendothelioma) received a combination of pioglitazone (45 mg per day orally) plus rofecoxib (25 mg per day orally) and, after 14 days, trofosfamide (3 × 50 mg per day orally). The therapy was administered continuously until progression was observed. If necessary, doses were modified according to side effects. RESULTS Two patients responded with complete remission of disease, one patient responded with partial remission, and three patients achieved stabilization of disease (no change). The median progression-free survival was 7.7 months (range, 2,15 months). Side effects generally were mild (World Health Organization Grade 1,2). Hospitalization was not necessary. CONCLUSIONS This new triple combination of low-dose metronomic trofosfamide, pioglitazone, and rofecoxib may represent a feasible new alternative in the palliative treatment of patients with advanced malignant vascular tumors. Cancer 2003. © 2003 American Cancer Society. [source]