Favorable response to combined androgen blockade for metastatic cutaneous apocrine carcinoma: a case report

Abstract

Introduction: Most cases of cutaneous apocrine carcinoma (CAC) express androgen receptor. Androgen signal is thought to have a relationship on the survival and cell growth of the tumor. Presentation of Case: A 53-year-old man with a red superficial nodule on the left axilla and a back pain was diagnosed with CAC in the left axilla with multiple bone and bone marrow metastases. After cytotoxic chemotherapy for around 4 years, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, and disseminated intravascular coagulation progressed. We started combined androgen blockade by bicaltamide and degarelix, and the therapy had successfully maintained stable disease for more than 6 months. Discussion: Most cases of CAC express androgen receptor. Androgen signal could have a relationship on the survival and cell growth of the tumor. Conclusion: Antiandrogen therapy for androgen-receptor positive CAC is a promising therapeutic option.