Mebendazole monotherapy and long-term disease control in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma

Endocr Pract. 2011 May-Jun;17(3):e59-62. doi: 10.4158/EP10390.CR.

Abstract

Objective: To describe successful long-term tumor control in metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma, a relatively rare tumor with limited treatment options outside of surgery.

Methods: We present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings in a patient with failure of or intolerance to conventional treatments for metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma.

Results: A 48-year-old man with adrenocortical carcinoma had disease progression with systemic therapies including mitotane, 5-fluorouracil, streptozotocin, bevacizumab, and external beam radiation therapy. Treatment with all chemotherapeutic drugs was ceased, and he was prescribed mebendazole, 100 mg twice daily, as a single agent. His metastases initially regressed and subsequently remained stable. While receiving mebendazole as a sole treatment for 19 months, his disease remained stable. He did not experience any clinically significant adverse effects, and his quality of life was satisfactory. His disease subsequently progressed after 24 months of mebendazole monotherapy.

Conclusion: Mebendazole may achieve long-term disease control of metastatic adrenocortical carcinoma. It is well tolerated and the associated adverse effects are minor.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms / pathology
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adrenocortical Carcinoma / pathology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Disease Progression
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mebendazole / therapeutic use*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Radiography
  • Recurrence
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Mebendazole