Lung lobar collapse as the first manifestation of pulmonary epithelioid haemangioendothelioma diagnosed with fibreoptic bronchoscopy

Poor response to sintilimab plus chemotherapy in a pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma patient: a case report

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (PEH) is a rare vascular tumor with no established treatment protocol. The authors report the case of a young woman diagnosed with PEH. DNA and RNA analysis by next-generation sequencing was performed on the tumor tissue. A novel germline PALB2 mutation and classical WWTR1-CAMTA1 fusion were identified. She experienced a poor response to sintilimab (a PD-1 inhibitor) plus platinum-based chemotherapy as the first-line treatment. PEH patients harboring a germline PALB2 mutation and WWTR1-CAMTA1 gene fusion may respond poorly to treatment with PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy.

Apatinib for the treatment of pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE

Pulmonary epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (P-EHE) is a rare tumor, with no established standard treatment. Overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) has been reported in some P-EHE patients. Apatinib, a new small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor that specifically targets VEGFR-2, has therapeutic benefits in some advanced tumors. However, its efficacy in P-EHE cases has not been reported.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Herein, we presented a 44-year-old man with recurrent hemoptysis for approximately 9 years.

DIAGNOSES

After hospitalization, relevant examinations were conducted. The disease was subsequently diagnosed as P-EHE.

INTERVENTIONS

The patient underwent pulmonary lobectomy, but subsequently developed multiple metastases. Within the tumor, CD31, CK, and Vimentin were found to be positive, while CD34 was negative. Apatinib was initially administered 250 mg daily doses and after 1 month was increased to 500 mg daily.

OUTCOMES

He showed noticeable symptomatic improvements and positive imaging changes in the first month of treatment. However, the disease progressed in the following month, despite the increased apatinib dose.

LESSONS

Apatinib is possibly a new treatment for P-EHE. However, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm an effective dose and the efficacy and safety of apatinib in P-EHE treatment.