[Regression of vena cava tumour thrombus in response to sorafenib]

Ten percent of patients with kidney cancer have associated vena cava thrombus, which is associated with a high operative morbidity. Up to now, no medical treatment has allowed regression of vena cava tumour thrombus. The authors report the case of a 62-year-old patient with left kidney cancer associated with vena cava tumour thrombus. After surgical resection, the patient relapsed in the form of vena cava thrombus associated with right renal vein thrombus, responsible for renal insufficiency requiring dialysis. Sorafenib therapy allowed regression of the vena cava thrombus, suspension of haemodialysis and local disease control with a follow-up of one year. This case report justifies a review of the place of anti-angiogenic therapy in the treatment of kidney cancer.