Pancreatoblastoma treated by delayed operation after effective chemotherapy

A case of pancreatoblastoma in a 4-year-old girl is presented. She was admitted with an abdominal mass and vomiting in August 1994. Computed tomography scan showed a 10- x 8- x 7-cm mass occupying both the head and body of the pancreas. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was 9,600 ng/mL (normal, <8.3 ng/mL). Results of open biopsy of the tumor showed pancreatoblastoma. Chemotherapy was administered using the new A-1 regimen consisting of cyclophosphamide, etoposide, pirarubicin, and cisplatin. After 3 cycles of chemotherapy, the size of the tumor was reduced to 5 x 4 x 3 cm, the portal vein became patent, and the AFP value decreased to 98.1 ng/mL. Total removal of the tumor was performed leaving the head and tail of the pancreas. Postoperative chemotherapy continued for 2 years. The patient has been disease free for 5 years, and her serum AFP remained within normal levels.