[Combined therapy of advanced adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical efficacy of combined therapy in the treatment of advanced adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

The clinical data of 12 cases with advanced adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma at our hospital from 1986 - 2006 were analyzed. And the relevant literatures were reviewed.

RESULTS

Eleven patients underwent operation to remove primary lesions. Only 1 case received a biopsy. All cases were treated with chemotherapy or chemotherapy pulse post-operative radiotherapy. Pathological diagnosis was all of adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma. According to the staging criteria of Jacques and Brennan, all 12 cases were of IV stage. The follow-up duration was 6 - 40 months. According to evaluation criterion of chemotherapeutic effect by WHO in 1987, the results were: CR (complete remission) (n = 0), PR (partial remission) (n = 7), SD (stable disease) (n = 3) and PD (progressive disease) (n = 2). The effective rate was 58.3% (7/12). The median survival time was 14 months and median progression-free survival time 9 months.

CONCLUSION

Combined therapy of adrenal cortical adenocarcinoma is effective to prolong the patient lifespan. Radiotherapy offers partial symptomatic relief for those with osseous metastasis. Making an early diagnosis and offering a novel therapy yield a better outcome.