Multimodality therapy for large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus.

Abstract

A case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the thymus successfully treated with chemoradiation, followed by extended resection under cardiopulmonary bypass, is reported. A 44-year-old man diagnosed with thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma received induction chemoradiation therapy (3 cycles of cisplatin/etoposide and 45 Gy of hyperfractionated radiation) because of invasion to the aortic arch and pulmonary trunk. After radiographic partial response was noted, a radical resection under cardiopulmonary bypass was performed. Pathologic examination revealed no viable cells in the tumor. The patient is alive 3 years later, without recurrence. Aggressive multimodality therapy could be an option for thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.