A case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma successfully treated with nivolumab

Abstract

Background. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors have been shown to be effective for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, their efficacy in the treatment of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma remains unclear. Case. A 51-year-old man was transferred to a local hospital with symptoms of headache, vomiting, and dizziness. Computed tomography revealed a tumor in the right lung and metastatic brain tumors in the cerebellum and cerebrum. The cerebellar lesion was resected, and the pathological diagnosis was large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma. The patient was referred to our hospital, and chemotherapy was initiated as per the standards for small cell lung cancer. After third-line treatment, the patient experienced disease progression. Nivolumab was started as a fourth-line treatment. The patient achieved a partial response, and has received 21 cycles of nivolumab without disease progression. Conclusion. Immune checkpoint inhibitors may be effective for the treatment of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.