A CASE OF GASTRIC WALL ABSCESS THAT DEVELOPED DURING BEVACIZUMAB COMBINED CHEMOTHERAPY FOR BREAST CANCER

Abstract

An 80-year-old woman diagnosed as having metastatic breast cancer was initiated on combined bevacizumab＋paclitaxel therapy. After 7 courses of therapy, laboratory analysis showed leukocytosis and elevated serum C-reactive protein level. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a gastric wall abscess. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed marked gastric mucosal swelling suggestive of phlegmonous gastritis. Percutaneous abscess drainage and antibiotic therapy proved to be effective treatments. Although not at a high frequency, gastrointestinal adverse events associated with bevacizumab treatment have been reported. We speculated that bevacizumab-induced mucosal damage led to the phlegmonous change and abscess formation in the stomach. Endoscopic or percutaneous drainage and administration of antibiotics have been reported to be effective treatments. Further accumulation of cases and relevant data are needed to clarify this clinical condition.