Recurrent ovarian cancer metastatic to the sternum, costae, and thoracic wall after prolonged treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy: a case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Sternal and costal metastases from ovarian cancer are extremely rare. We present here a case of a 47-year-old woman with thoracic wall metastasis from serous-papillary ovarian carcinoma that occurred 3 years after the initial diagnosis, although the patient had received various regimens of intense platinum-based chemotherapy. Special emphasis is given to the effects of alkylating agents, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, on the pattern of tumor spread. We also discuss the possible mechanisms through which the biologic and metastatic behavior of this tumor is expressed.