Leiomyosarcoma of the maxilla: Effective chemotherapy with docetaxel (DOC) and cisplatin (CDDP) using superselective intra-arterial infusion via superficial temporal artery

Primary leiomyosarcomas in the head and neck are rare tumors. We report a case of maxillary leiomyosarcoma in a 35-year-old male. The patient was referred to our hospital in October 2003, and diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, originating around the left maxillary sinus. Superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy with docetaxel (DOC) and cisplatin (CDDP) via a superficial temporal artery was employed as preoperative therapy. The tumor decreased in size to less than 50% of its initial volume after this therapy. Total maxillectomy was performed, and 70–80% of tumor cells showed degeneration and necrosis. The patient has been free of disease for 2 years after operation. Chemotherapy is thought to have little effect in achieving local control of leiomyosarcomas, however, superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy was very beneficial in this patient.