[A case of a 91-year-old patient with advanced squamous cell lung cancer complicated with renal dysfunction successfully treated with trans-arterial chemo-embolization].

Abstract

In 2009, a 91-year-old man with renal dysfunction was detected with a small nodule in the left pulmonary field. The nodule was found to have gradually increased in size by April, 2010. A trans-bronchial lung biopsy(TBLB)and computed tomography( CT)revealed squamous cell lung cancer and stage IV (a tumor was found on the right side as well), respectively. Systemic chemotherapy was not administered because of the advanced age of the patient and mild renal dysfunction. We obtained informed consent from the patient and his family before trans-arterial chemo-embolization(TACE)was performed. No side effects were observed either during or after treatment. Although his visits to our hospital stopped, he sought treatment for a cold 8 months after TACE. CT showed 87% shrinkage of the tumor shadow. This method could be a new therapeutic option for non-small cell lung cancer with little side effects, particularly in older patients or those with pulmonary complications.