Dramatic Response to Catumaxomab Treatment for Malign Ascites Related to Renal Cell Carcinoma With Sarcomotoid Differentiation.

Refractory malignant ascites (MA) is a common complication in cancer patients. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is rarely present with peritoneal ascites, which is commonly associated with carcinomas of the gastrointestinal and female reproductive tracts; including especially ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma. Currently, chemotherapy and paracentesis represent the most widely used methods to relieve the symptoms. Recently, intraperitoneal therapy with catumaxomab-a trifunctional hybrid antibody-has been introduced for the treatment of MA. The benefit of this treatment has been demonstrated in patients with distinct abdominal malignancies. In this case report, we present the first case of successful catumaxomab treatment against MA in a patient with advanced RCC with sarcomatoid differentiation. After the second administration of catumaxomab, paracentesis became no longer necessary. Catumaxomab might represent a safe treatment option for MA in the course of metastatic RCC with sarcomatoid differentiation.

A Rare Case of Sunitinib-Induced Hyperammonemic Encephalopathy and Hypothyroidism in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Sunitinib has become a standard treatment agent for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) for several years. However, various adverse events have been reported. We present a rare adverse effect of hyperammonemic encephalopathy induced by sunitinib. A 66-year-old woman with metastatic RCC referred to the emergency department with confusion that developed 14 days after the initiation of 50 mg/d of sunitinib. Her serum ammonia and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels were markedly elevated (146 µg/dL and 27.27 µIU/mL, respectively). Sunitinib was discontinued, and an enema with lactulose and L-thyroxine were administered. Her mental status and neurologic symptoms were normalized 7 days after the treatment. Serum ammonia level decreased to 61 µg/dL and thyroid stimulating hormone level decreased 22.34 µIU/mL. The incidence of sunitinib-induced hyperammonemia is rarely reported. The relationship between sunitinib and the development of hyperammonemia is not well understood, and the mechanism is unclear. Sunitinib-induced hyperammonemia is very rare, and to the best of our knowledge, this is fourth case hyperammonemia and first case hyperammonemic encephalopathy with hypothyroidism as an adverse effect. Therefore, it is important for clinicians to be aware of hyperammonemia that can occur in several days after the initiation of sunitinib treatment in metastatic RCC.

Tracheomediastinal fistula in a patient with lung adenocarcinoma and its treatment with argon plasma coagulation: a case report.

Tracheomediastinal fistula is a rare complication that occurs during the course of lung cancer. The fistula connects the airways to the mediastinum and is often associated with lymphoma. Clinical data on tracheomediastinal fistulas are limited to case reports. Tracheal stenting, pericardial and omental patch closure, and muscle flap closure can be performed to repair such fistulas. We herein report a case of tracheomediastinal fistula in a 47-year-old man.The main symptoms were shortness of breath and a feeling of fullness in the neck. Thoracic magnetic resonance imaging revealed an approximately 57 â€Š× â€Š16  ×  20 mm multiloculated cystic lesion with air density located in the upper mediastinum of the right paratracheal region and a fine fistula tract at this level. The main diagnosis was primary lung adenocarcinoma-related mediastinal lymphadenomegaly with a tracheomediastinal fistula.The patient underwent fistula opening on the trachea, which was then coagulated and sealed using argon plasma coagulation.The patient is currently asymptomatic and doing well 8 months after the intervention.