Abstract
We report 2 cases of malignant pericardial mesothelioma (MPerM) in which an anti-tumor effect of chemotherapy was exhibited. Case 1. A 61-year-old woman was referred to our hospital because of dyspnea on exertion. An analysis of the pericardial biopsy by thoracoscopic surgery confirmed a diagnosis of MPerM. There was no indication of surgery according to diffuse growth. Systemic chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and pemetrexed was initiated. After two cycles were administered, the thickness of the pericardium decreased. Six cycles of chemotherapy were given. However, the tumor showed progression. As salvage chemotherapy, CPT-11 was administered. She died of disease progression 18 months after the diagnosis. Case 2. A 77-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of dyspnea on exertion. Cytology of cardiac effusion and computed tomographic scans confirmed a diagnosis of MPerM without thoracoscopic biopsy. There was no indication of surgery according to diffuse growth. Systemic chemotherapy consisting of carboplatin and pemetrexed was initiated. After six cycles of the chemotherapy, the tumor disappeared. As maintenance chemotherapy, pemetrexed was administered. Following 9 courses, he died of disease progression 15 months after the diagnosis. In conclusion, chemotherapy may benefit non-resectable MperM patients.
