Complete tumor response of a locally advanced lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma after palliative thoracic radiotherapy and immunotherapy with nivolumab

Abstract

Lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (L-LCNEC) is a rare subset of lung carcinoma associated with poor overall survival. Due to its rarity, little has been established about its optimal treatment in the advanced stage. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman diagnosed with an unresectable locally advanced L-LCNEC who presented an impressive tumor response to immunotherapy with nivolumab after non-curative thoracic radiotherapy. Salvage surgery was then performed, and pathologic analysis of the resected piece revealed the absence of residual viable tumor cells. Based on this case report, we discuss the literature regarding the efficacy of inhibitors of programmed death-1 protein (PD-1) in L-LCNEC and their use in association with radiotherapy and in the neoadjuvant setting.

Keywords: Locally advanced stage; Lung large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma; PD-1 inhibitor; Radiation therapy; Salvage surgery; Synergistic effect.