Pulmonary and lymph node metastases of renal cell carcinoma which completely responded to oral administration of UFT--a case report

In April 2003, a 59-year-old woman suffering from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) underwent radical nephrectomy (Stage I). In October 2004, bilateral lower lobe lung tumors were resected with thoracoscopic assistance. Histologically, resected specimens were diagnosed as metastases from RCC. However, 2 months later,lung and abdominal lymph node metastases were detected by CT. Chemotherapy with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) 6,000,000 units every day was performed, but was discontinued after 3 months due to fatigue and depression. Because the tumor marker (IAP) level and the size of the metastatic tumors increased, second-line chemotherapy with oral administration of tegafur/uracil (UFT-E 600 mg/day) was started. Six months after UFT administration, there was a significant decrease of tumor markers and the metastatic tumors were disappeared, therefore we were judged as complete response (CR). No grade 3 or more severs adverse reactions have been observed. Some cases may be effectively treated by UFT after treatment failure of IFN-alpha therapy. This UFT therapy is simple and possible to continue safely on an outpatient chemotherapy while maintaining quality of life.