We describe 3 cases of malignant pheochromocytoma with multiple metastases which were treated with cyclophosphamide, vincristine and dacarbazine (CVD) combination chemotherapy and α-methyl-p-tyrosine. Case 1 was operated on first but hypercatecholaminemia could not be completely controlled. Cases 2 and 3 received chemotherapy, CVD combination chemotherapy and/or α-methyltyrosine and good control of hypercatecholaminemia was attained. In all cases it was possible to control hypercatecholaminemia during most of the time they were administered α-methyltyrosine despite the presence of tumors. None of the patients suffered hypertension crises. In our patients treatment with CVD plus α-methyl-p-tyrosine proved to be safe and ameliorated the clinical course.

Keywords:
Malignant pheochromocytoma, Chemotherapy, CVD chemotherapy, α-Methyl-p-tyrosine
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1998
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