Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin in combination with hyperthermia for treatment of skin metastases of breast carcinoma: A case report

Background: Incorporation of doxorubicin hydrochloride into pegylated lipos omes (PLD) may decrease chemotherapy side effects and increase the activity . Hyperthermia could further potentiate its effectiveness. Case Report: A p atient with skin metastases of breast carcinoma was treated with intravenou s infusion of PLD (Caelyx (R)) in combination with ultrasound hyperthermia. Each cycle consisted of infusion of 40 mg PLD absolute dose, followed by 2 fractions of hyperthermia 41-43 degreesC for 45 min 1 and 48 h after infus ion. A complete remission was observed after the combination treatment with no significant toxicity. Conclusions Present observations suggest that the combination of PLD with hyperthermia of skin metastases of breast carcinom a may be an active and well tolerated treatment.