Study on Metastatic Clear Cell Hidradenocarcinoma: An Approach towards Response to Chemotherapy and Long Disease Control

Introduction: Hidradenocarcinoma is a rare aggressive tumor arising from sweat glands that may occur from preexisting hidradenoma or most frequently appears de novo. It occurs most often in old patients and is located in the head, neck and trunk in the majority of time. this tumor is also characterized by a high potential of local recurrence, metastasis and poor outcome. This tumor is often radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistant. We report herein an observation of a good clinical response with a long disease control under capecitabine in metastatic hidradenocarcinoma.

Presentation of Case: We report a case of a 77-year-old man with a metastatic hidradenocarcinoma to the bone and lymph nodes who was operated 7 years ago for an hidradenoma of the right foot. He was treated with capecitabine based chemotherapy with good tolerance and obtention of partial response during 10 months. After that, his disease progressed and he died 1 year after diagnosis.

Conclusion: Hidradenocarcinoma is a cancer with a poor prognosis. Because of its low prevalence and high rate of recurrence, its treatment is still controversial. Our good result demonstrates that adjunction of chemotherapy in metastatic forms is effective for a better control and long overall survival.