A case of pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma with multiple lung metastases with bilateral pneumothorax after chemotherapy

Abstract A 70-year-old man diagnosed with pleomorphic malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the left thigh underwent tumor resection. After 10 months, he underwent extended resection due to local recurrence. However, because multiple lung metastases was detected at this time, chemotherapy with ifosfamide and doxorubicin was administered. After three courses of chemotherapy, the lung metastases enlarged and the patient received ifosfamide and etoposide as second line chemotherapy. Even after three courses of second line treatment, the disease progressed, for which docetaxel and gemcitabine were administered as third line chemotherapy. After three courses of third line treatment, multiple lung metastases reduced and were replaced with scar and cystic lesions (reduction ratio 85.9%). After four courses of treatment, the patient developed left pneumothorax. Partial resection of the left upper lobe was performed by thoracoscopic surgery. Histopathological examination revealed rupture of the visceral pleura in a scar lesion leading to air leakage. After 13 courses of treatment, he developed right pneumothorax. Partial resection of the right middle lobe was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a cystic lesion without tumor remnants. After 15 courses of third line treatment, lung metastasis could be controlled. Chemotherapy with docetaxel and gemcitabine resulted in few adverse effects that were within tolerance limits.