Advanced malignant rhabdoid tumor of the ovary effectively responding to chemotherapy: A case report and review of the literature

Background. Malignant rhabdoid tumors (MRTs) are highly malignant neoplasms that consist of both renal and extrarenal subtypes. Primary ovarian cases are extremely rare. We herein describe the third known case of ovarian origin, which effectively responded to combination chemotherapy with ifosfamide, epirubicin, and cisplatin (IEP chemotherapy). Case. A 19-year-old woman was diagnosed to have stage IIIc primary MRT of the ovary following the resection of tumors. Two months after surgery, an 8 cm-sized pelvic mass and enlarged retroperitoneal lymphnodes were detected. The patient received intravenous tri-weekly IEP chemotherapy. After the second course of chemotherapy, she demonstrated a complete clinical response. Conclusion. Although this type of tumor is quite aggressive and chemotherapy is generally not considered to be effective, IEP chemotherapy may be useful in the treatment of MRT of the ovary. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.