Durable response of intracranial cellular hemangioma to bevacizumab and temozolomide

Cellular hemangioma is a subtype of hemangioma that is associated with cellular immaturity and the potential for recurrence. Intracranial location of these lesions is extremely rare, and definitive treatment often requires radical neurosurgical resection. The authors report a case of a 12-year-old boy with a subtemporal cellular hemangioma. He underwent gross-total resection of the tumor, but within 1.5 months the tumor recurred, necessitating a second resection. Because of its proximity to vascular structures, only subtotal resection was possible. Repeat MRI 1 month after the second surgery showed significant tumor recurrence. Given the tumor's demonstrated capacity for recurrence and its proximity to the vein of Labbé and sigmoid sinus, further resection was not indicated. In an effort to limit radiation therapy for this young patient, treatment with bevacizumab and temozolomide was chosen and achieved a complete response that has proven durable for 36 months after cessation of therapy. This is the first report of the successful use of chemotherapy to treat an intracranial hemangioma, a rare condition with limited therapeutic options.