Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with hyperthermia for treatment of skin metastases of breast carcinoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND

Incorporation of doxorubicin hydrochloride into pegylated liposomes (PLD) may decrease chemotherapy side effects and increase the activity. Hyperthermia could further potentiate its effectiveness.

METHODS

A patient with skin metastases of breast carcinoma was treated with intravenous infusion of PLD (Caelyx) in combination with ultrasound hyperthermia. Each cycle consisted of infusion of 40 mg PLD absolute dose, followed by 2 fractions of hyperthermia 41-43 degrees C for 45 min 1 and 48 h after infusion. A complete remission was observed after the combination treatment with no significant toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

Present observations suggest that the combination of PLD with hyperthermia of skin metastases of breast carcinoma may be an active and well tolerated treatment.