Prolonged Survival in Colon Cancer with Malignant Pericardial Effusion and Pulmonary Lymphangitic Carcinomatosis: A Case for Monoclonal Antibodies?

Traditionally, cardiac metastases and lymphangitic carcinomatosis have been associated with survival of only two to four months. We report herein a patient with malignant pericardial. effusion, and lymphangitic carcinomatosis due to colon cancer who remains in partial remission 12 months after the diagnosis. We postulate that the newer agents bevacizumab and cetuximab used in two different combination regimens contributed significantly to his longer survival. If confirmed, increased survival in this group of patients treated with novel regimens will have to be considered before any life-changing decisions (such as early referral to hospice) are made. In addition, a multitude of newer agents are in the pipeline and will soon join the battle against gastrointestinal malignancies, which could further increase survival in these patients.