Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor antibody bevacizumab (avastin) induces regression of renal cell carcinoma in an adolescent resulting in residual tumorectomy.

Renal cell carcinoma is a chemo- and radiation-resistant malignancy that is very rare in childhood. In advanced cases, survival is extremely poor, but cure can be achieved with complete tumorectomy. We report a 14-year-old female with left renal cell carcinoma, with regional lymphadenopathy extending up to the diaphragm. Complete tumor resection was impossible. The tumor progressed after 10 months of treatment with high-dose interleukin-2. After 7 months of outpatient vascular endothelial growth factor receptor antibody bevacizumab and no significant adverse effects, dramatic tumor shrinkage enabled complete resection. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.