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

## TL;DR

Incomplete removal of cardiac tumors can allow chemotherapy to work better, even if the tumor returns quickly.

## Contribution

The paper suggests that debulking cardiac tumors may help start chemotherapy in certain patients.

## Key findings

- Incomplete resection (R-2) of cardiac tumors can lead to early recurrence.
- Debulking allowed the patient to respond to chemotherapy despite rapid tumor regrowth.
- Debulking may be a selective option to enable chemotherapy initiation in unfit patients.

## Abstract

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.