A case of long partial response to combination therapy of bevacizumab and capecitabine for liver metastases of rectal cancer

Abstract

A 69-year-old female visited our department with a diagnosis of rectosigmoid cancer and multiple hepatic metastases (stage IV). Abdominal CT revealed multiple metastatic lesions in the bilateral lobes of the liver. The primary lesion was considered to be resectable, and high anterior resection of the rectum was performed. After the operation, 6 courses of therapy with bevacizumab (BV) and modified FOLFOX6 were performed. CT showed a partial response, and tumor marker levels became normal. After a total of 11 courses of this therapy, grade 3 peripheral neuropathy developed, and the therapy was changed to BV and capecitabine (Cape). After 6 courses of this therapy, CT showed the maintenance of partial response, and tumor marker levels were also within the normal range. BV and Cape therapy may be useful not only for reducing peripheral neuropathy, but also as a maintenance therapy in patients requiring the suspension of oxaliplatin administration due to peripheral neuropathy. © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel.