Celecoxib Combined with Thalidomide in the Treatment of Refractory Neoplastic Fever in Advanced Cholangiocarcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

Neoplastic fever, a common symptom of tumors, can be mainly controlled by nonsteroidal antiinflammatories (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids. However, there is no standard treatment guideline for refractory neoplastic fever, which cannot be controlled by the medicines mentioned above. This report presents a case of advanced cholangiocarcinoma with persistent fever lasting 3 weeks. After ineffective treatment with various antibiotics, ibuprofen, and corticosteroids, the body temperature returned to normal after a 48-hour treatment with celecoxib + thalidomide. Finally, the overall survival (OS) of the patient reached 8 months with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.