Angiosarcoma developing after curative induction chemotherapy and radiotherapy for locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx.

Background: Angiosarcoma arising after radiation is described in breast cancer but occurs elsewhere. Here, we present an angiosarcoma of the neck occurring after curative chemoradiation.

Methods: This is a case of angiosarcoma developing 5 years after curative therapy for T3N0 squamous cell carcinoma of the supraglottic larynx. Therapy consisted of 3 cycles of induction cisplatin/5-fluorouracil chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy. The patient did well until developing a rapidly progressive lesion of the left neck. Examination showed a 7-cm mass and biopsy revealed angiosarcoma. CT scans assessed the local extent of the tumor and ruled out metastatic disease prior to initiating therapy.

Results: Therapy consisted of 4 cycles of paclitaxel chemotherapy. At completion, examination revealed mild induration of the neck with near-complete resolution of the mass. Imaging confirmed this excellent response.

Conclusion: This rare therapy-related second malignancy developed after curative larynx-preserving treatment. Paclitaxel was an effective therapy in this setting.