Treatment of lymphangiomas with OK-432 (Picibanil) sclerotherapy: a prospective multi-institutional trial.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and to determine the robustness of our study evaluating the efficacy of OK-432 (Picibanil) as a therapeutic modality for lymphangiomas.

DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized trial and parallel-case series at 13 US tertiary care referral centers.

SUBJECTS: Thirty patients diagnosed as having lymphangioma. Ages in 25 ranged from 6 months to 18 years. Twenty-nine had lesions located in the head-and-neck area.

INTERVENTION: Every patient received a 4-dose injection series of OK-432 scheduled 6 to 8 weeks apart unless a contraindication existed or a complete response was observed before completion of all injections. A control group was observed for 6 months.

OUTCOME MEASURES: Successful outcome of therapy was defined as a complete or a substantial (>60%) reduction in lymphangioma size as determined by calculated lesion volumes on computed tomographic or magnetic resonance imaging scans.

RESULTS: Overall, 19 (86%) of the 22 patients with predominantly macrocystic lymphangiomas had a successful outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: OK-432 should be efficacious in the treatment of lymphangiomas. Our study design is well structured to clearly define the role of this treatment agent.