PMC3861861_01
A large tumor located in the mediastinum with accompanying left pleural effusion is shown. The tumor is about 120 mm in diameter and invades the main pulmonary artery and aorta. a Chest X-ray. b Enhanced CT.
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F1
Computed tomography (CT) of the chest revealed left pleural effusion and a large tumor of about 120 mm invading the aorta and main pulmonary artery directly (fig. 1).
Enhanced CT showing a markedly reduced tumor and pleural effusion after four cycles of induction chemotherapy.
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F2
Four cycles of chemotherapy, consisting of cisplatin and irinotecan, were performed and a partial response was achieved (fig. 2).
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showing complete response after 24 cycles of maintenance chemotherapy with irinotecan.
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F3
Subsequently, 2 years and 6 months after the initial diagnosis, 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography showed no positive sign of disease; the main tumor, lymph nodes, and pleural effusion had completely disappeared and the response was defined as a complete response (fig. 3).