Reactions 1253 - 23 May 2009

SCetuximab/oxaliplatin

Portal venous gas: case reportA 51-year-old woman developed hepatic portal venous

gas during treatment with cetuximab and oxaliplatin.The woman, who had right colon cancer with

synchronous liver metastases, received a first linechemotherapy with oxaliplatin and cetuximab [dosages notstated]. During her third chemotherapy cycle, shedeveloped jaundice with a temperature of 38.4°C, a HR of104 beats/min and an arterial BP of 121/76cm H2O. Shehad haemoglobinaemia (9 g/dL) with a WBC count of15 900/mL and a C-reactive protein level of 305 mg/L. ACT scan revealed a complete tumour necrosis and airdensity mainly in the largest liver metastasis. Portal vein gaswas identified and was limited to the right portal vein. Afistula between the infected metastasis and the right portalvein was suspected.

The woman underwent a synchronous resection of bothprimary tumour and liver metastasis. Her postoperativecourse was uneventful.Zalinski S, et al. Portal venous gas following chemotherapy for colorectal cancerliver metastasis. European Journal of Surgical Oncology 35: 557-560, No. 5, May2009 - France 801141408

1

Reactions 23 May 2009 No. 12530114-9954/10/1253-0001/$14.95 © 2010 Adis Data Information BV. All rights reserved