Effective Use of Sirolimus and Zoledronic Acid for Multiosteotic Pseudomyogenic Hemangioendothelioma of the Bone in a Child: Case Report and Review of Literature

J Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2019 Jul;41(5):382-387. doi: 10.1097/MPH.0000000000001459.

Abstract

Pseudomyogenic hemangioendothelioma (PMH) is a rare neoplasm with vascular and sarcomatous elements, unpredictable course, and uncommon metastatic or fatal potential. Although systemic chemotherapy has been reported with variable success, generally accepted treatment is aggressive surgery with wide margins. Evidence-based treatment options are lacking, and lack of clear prognostic features poses a risk of undertreatment or overtreatment with associated morbidity and mortality. We report the use of initial systemic therapy with oral sirolimus (SIR) and IV zoledronic acid (ZA) to induce a sustained clinical response and avoidance of amputation in a 6-year-old boy. At 37 months after diagnosis, our patient remains in sustained clinical remission as documented by x-ray, MRI, and PET-CT with return of normal mobility/activity and resolution of swelling and pain. Literature review identified 20 cases of pediatric and young adult patients with PMH, of which 7 received some form of systemic therapy. To the best of our knowledge, our patient represents the youngest reported case of PMH and the first successful and limb-sparing utilization of systemic chemotherapy as primary treatment for PMH.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Child
  • Hemangioendothelioma / diagnostic imaging
  • Hemangioendothelioma / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods
  • Sirolimus / therapeutic use*
  • Zoledronic Acid / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Sirolimus