Right foot congenital infantile fibrosarcoma treated only with chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Skeletal Tumors
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Congenital infantile fibrosarcoma (CIF) is a rare pediatric soft tissue tumor.
• While survival rates for CIF are generally high (84-93%), limb amputation remains a significant challenge.
• Effective limb salvage strategies are crucial for improving quality of life in affected children.

Observation:

• A male newborn presented with a rapidly growing mass in the right foot.
• Radiographic and MRI evaluations indicated extensive destruction of tarsal, metatarsal, and phalangeal bones by the tumor.
• The tumor's location and extent posed a high risk for limb loss.

Findings:

• The patient received VAC chemotherapy (Vincristine, Actinomycin-D, Cyclophosphamide) as the sole treatment modality.
• Following chemotherapy, the tumor regressed sufficiently to preserve limb function.
• The child was able to walk normally, indicating successful limb salvage.

Implications:

• This case highlights the potential efficacy of VAC chemotherapy in treating extensive congenital infantile fibrosarcoma of the foot.
• Neoadjuvant chemotherapy may offer a viable alternative to amputation in select CIF cases.
• Successful limb salvage through chemotherapy can significantly improve long-term functional outcomes and quality of life for pediatric patients with CIF.