Primary ovarian angiosarcoma: Two case reports and review of literature

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare and highly aggressive soft tissue disease that most commonly arises in deep soft tissues. There are only a few reported cases of AS involving the ovary and even fewer reports of the underlying molecular abnormalities. Here, we briefly review two cases of primary ovarian AS (oAS) with specific molecular events and immune checkpoints. The clinical features and prognosis of the disease, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and new treatment approaches are discussed based on a literature review.

CASE SUMMARY

Case 1: A 51-year-old female patient was admitted with right lower limb pain for 5 mo, and lower abdominal pain with hematuria for 1 mo. Partial removal of rectus abdominis muscle and fascia, partial hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, and inguinal and pelvic lymphadenectomy were performed. Pathology revealed primary oAS. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed c-MYC gene amplification. MESNA + ADM + IFO + DTIC (MAID) regimen was administered, but stable disease was achieved. The patient died 1 mo later. Case 2: A 41-year-old female patient presented with fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, and diffuse abdominal pain. On physical examination, the abdomen was distended and a complex cystic mass was palpable in the right pelvic cavity. Pathology revealed primary oAS. MAID chemotherapy was administered and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) staining was performed on the tumor samples. The patient benefited from anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and is alive without any evidence of disease 27 mo off therapy in follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Long-term survival benefit for primary oAS can be achieved by alternative therapeutic strategies using pathological indicators to inform treatment.

Keywords: Primary angiosarcoma; Ovarian; Therapy; Diagnosis; Prognosis; Case report

Core Tip: Angiosarcoma (AS) is a rare and highly aggressive type of soft tissue that most commonly arises in deep soft tissues. Alternative therapeutic strategies such as targeted therapies and anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 therapy may be promising for primary ovarian AS.