Danger of an R-2 (Debulking) Cardiac Tumor Resection

The natural history of cardiac tumors is dismal, with death ensuing rapidly. This is especially true with incomplete resection (called R-2 resection). We present a patient with metastatic sarcoma, also involving the heart, too unwell to undergo chemotherapy, who underwent a debulking operation, resulting in early rapid recurrence but response from chemotherapy. Debulking cardiac tumors may be selectively offered to enable chemotherapy initiation.