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Malignant Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm of Left Kidney Treated With Targeted Therapy: A Rare Case Report
Muhammad Haseeb1, Priyanka Sachdev2, Mary Sravani3
1Internal Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College, Lahore, PAK.
Abstract:
Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasm (PEComa) is one of the rare entities which is challenging to diagnose clinically. These tumors occur due to tuberous sclerosis complex gene mutations leading to upregulation and overexpression of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Malignant PEComas are rare, and we report a peculiar case of PEComa treated with mTOR inhibitors. A 43-year-old woman presented with complaints of back pain, intermittent fever, dysuria, and cough with expectoration for one month. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) revealed heterogeneously enhancing exophytic mass of the left kidney. A positron emission tomography CT whole body showed a primary malignancy in the left kidney, sclerotic lesions in the bony skeleton, and lymphangitis carcinomatosis in both lungs. A biopsy of the left renal mass revealed PEComa, focally positive for melanocytic and muscle markers. She was commenced on treatment with intravenous temsirolimus, and there was a complete tumor regression by the end of the completion of six cycles.
Insights
Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are rare tumors linked to mTOR pathway activation. This case highlights successful treatment of malignant PEComa with an mTOR inhibitor, achieving complete tumor regression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms (PEComas) are rare tumors with challenging clinical diagnosis.
- These neoplasms are associated with tuberous sclerosis complex gene mutations, leading to mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway dysregulation.
- Malignant PEComas are exceptionally rare, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
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