Comprehensive Therapy for Infant Vascular Tumor Associated With Kasabach-Merritt Phenomenon-Single-Center Primary...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Oncology
• Dermatology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Infant vascular tumors, including kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE) and tufted angioma (TA), can present with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP), a life-threatening coagulopathy.
• Current treatment strategies for KMP-associated vascular tumors are varied, with a need for effective and safe multi-modal approaches.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined treatment approach for infant vascular tumors associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon (KMP).
• To assess the outcomes of intralesional laser photocoagulation (ILP) and sclerotherapy in conjunction with medical therapy.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study of 23 infants diagnosed with KHE or TA and KMP treated between February 2017 and November 2020.
• Patients received medical therapy (corticosteroids, Vincristine) combined with at least two sessions of ILP and sclerotherapy.

Main Results:

• 14 out of 23 patients (61%) received combined Vincristine and corticosteroid therapy, alongside ILP and sclerotherapy.
• 13 out of 14 patients (93%) on combined therapy experienced no recurrence of thrombocytopenia or clinical symptoms after treatment.
• A mean of 3.5 ILP and sclerotherapy procedures were performed per patient.

Conclusions:

• Combined medical therapy with ILP and sclerotherapy is a safe and effective multi-modal treatment for infant vascular tumors associated with KMP.
• This comprehensive treatment strategy leads to rapid tumor response, resolution of KMP, and reduced recurrence rates.