Microangiopathic anemia observed after treatment of epidermoid carcinoma with mitomycin C and 5-fluorouracil.

Two patients with epidermoid carcinoma treated with mitomycin-C (Mit-C) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) developed microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), renal failure, and altered mental status. Patient 1 was free of metastatic disease, on maintenance Mit-C and 5-FU when MAHA changes appeared. Patient 2 had recurrent carcinoma in the pelvic area when MAHA changes appeared. In both patients, MAHA changes and neurologic function improved after exchange plasmapheresis. This is the first report of epidermoid carcinoma manifesting MAHA changes after chemotherapy. Speculation as to pathogenesis and appropriate therapy are discussed.