Primary Ovarian Small Cell Carcinoma of Pulmonary Type: Analysis of 6 Cases and Review of 31 Cases in the Literatures

Objective Primary ovarian small cell carcinoma of pulmonary type(SCCOPT)is a rare ovarian tumor with a poor prognosis.The platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard treatment.However,there is little research on the clinical characteristics of SCCOPT and the potential benefits of other treatments due to its low incidence.The study aims to investigate clinicopathological characteristics and treatment of SCCOPT.Methods We summarized the clinical,imaging,laboratorical and pathological characteristics of 37 SCCOPT cases,in which 6 cases were admitted to the Gansu Provincial Hospital from the year of 2008 to 2022 and 31 cases reported in 17 English and 3 Chinese literatures.Results The median age of the studied SCCOPT cases(n=37)was 56.00(range,22-80)years.Almost 80%of them had a stageⅢorⅣtumor.All patients underwent an operation and postoperative chemotherapy.Nevertheless,all cases had a poor prognosis,with a median overall survival time of 12 months.Immunohistochemical y,the SCCOPT of all patients showed positive expressions of epithelial markers,such as CD56 and sex-determining region of Y chromosome-related high-mobility-group box 2(SOX-2),and negative expressions of estrogen receptor,progesterone receptor,vimentin,Leu-7,and somatostatin receptor 2.The tumor of above 80%cases expressed synaptophysin.Only a few cases expressed neuron-specific enolase,chromogranin A,and thyroid transcription factor-1.Conclusions SCCOPT had a poor prognosis.SOX-2 could be a biomarker to be used to diagnose SCCOPT.

Synchronous multiple lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Synchronous multiple lung cancers are rare and refer to the simultaneous presence of two or more primary lung tumors,which present significant challenges in terms of diagnosis and treatment.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of multiple synchronous lung cancers with hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinoma of unknown origin in a 73-year-old man.Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma.Although enlargement of lymph node 12u was detected,no distant metastases were observed.The patient was preoperatively diagnosed with T1cN0M0 and underwent thoracoscopic right upper lobectomy with nodal dissection(ND2a).Based on histopathological findings,the primary lesion was squamous cell carcinoma.A microinvasive adenocarcinoma was also observed on the cranial side of the primary lesion.Tumors were detected in two resected lymph nodes(#12u and#11s).Both tumors were pathologically diagnosed as small cell carcinomas.The primary lesion of the small cell carcinoma could not be identified even by whole-body imaging;however,chemotherapy was initiated for hilar lymph node metastasis of the small cell carcinoma of unknown origin.CONCLUSION Multiple synchronous lung cancers can be accompanied by hilar lymph node metastasis of small cell carcinomas of unknown origin.

Coexistence of small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and villous adenoma in the ampulla of Vater

Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater is extremely rare and different from the common ampullary adenocarcinoma. The ampullary adenoma is also a rare neoplasm and has the potential to develop an adenocarcinoma. Their coexistence has been rarely reported in the literature. We herein describe an unusual case of a small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma associated with a villous adenoma in the ampulla of Vater with emphasis on computed tomography (CT) and histopathological findings. We also discuss their clinical, histopathological and radiological features as well as possible histogenesis.

A case of long survival in poorly differentiated small cell carcinoma of the pancreas

Small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the pancreas is rare. It has similar histological features to pulmonary small cell carcinoma and is equally aggressive. Most patients with SCC in the pancreas reported in case studies died within 1 year after diagnosis. We present a case of unusually long-term survival after surgery and combined chemotherapy for SCC of the pancreas. A 62-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain and jaundice. Computed tomography revealed dilated common bile duct caused by external compression of the mass in the pancreatic head. Exploratory laparotomy and pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) was performed with histopathological analysis confirming a primary small cell carcinoma of the pancreas. After an uneventful postoperative recovery, the patient was treated with 6 cycles of combined chemotherapy consisting of cisplantin and ectoposide. During the follow-up, there was no evidence of recurrence and the patient has remained in a good health condition for 36 mo since the diagnosis.

Primary small cell carcinoma of kidney after renal transplantation:a case report and literature review

Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma （EPSCC） is a rare neoplasm comprising 2.5％ to 5％ of small cell carcinomas （SCCs）.Bladder SCC is the most common site of genitourinary tract.Primary renal SCC is extremely rare.We report a case of primary SCC of the kidney which is rarely reported in the urinary tract and presents an aggressive clinical picture.A 59-year-old female visited a urologic clinic with complaint of persistent left flank soreness 10 years after undergoing renal transplantation.Abdominal computed tomography showed a left renal pelvis tumor.After the patient received left nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff resection,her pathology results showed SCC.After surgery,she received adjuvant systemic chemotherapy,and her recovery has been uneventful as of 8 months.Primary renal SCC presents with an advanced tumor stage and a short median survival period,therefore early intervention and close follow-up are recommended.

Value of ^(18)F-FDG PET/CT and MRI in diagnosing primary endometrial small cell carcinoma

Primary small cell carcinoma（SCC） is a group of aggressive neoplasms that mainly arise from the lung and digestive tract. Endometrial small cell carcinoma（ESCC） is extremely rare. To our knowledge, less than 90 cases have been reported, and most of these reports were dedicated to describing the clinicopathologic or immunochemical features of ESCC. Herein, we present a new case of ESCC involving a 51-year-old woman and mainly focus on the magnetic resonance imaging（MRI） and positron emission tomography/computed tomography（PET/CT） findings. MRI showed that the uterus was significantly enlarged（11.6 cm × 11.1 cm × 14.4 cm）, and a giant irregular mass（7.5 cm × 8.4 cm × 8.5 cm） was observed in the uterine cavity. The lesion demonstrated an extremely low apparent diffusion coefficient（ADC） value [（0.553±0.088）×10^–3 mm^2/s] and a high FDG uptake value（22.7）. Multiple metastatic lymph nodes（LNs） were identified at different positions, with diameters ranging from 0.3 to 2.8 cm and a maximum standardized uptake value（SUV max） ranging from 6.9 to 19.3.

Paclitaxel-etoposide-carboplatin/cisplatin versus etoposidecarboplatin/cisplatin as first-line treatment for combined small-cell lung cancer: a retrospective analysis of 62 cases

Objective: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of paclitaxel-etoposide-carboplatin/cisplatin(TEP/TCE) regimen with those of etoposide-carboplatin/cisplatin(EP/CE) regimen as first-line treatment for combined small-cell lung cancer(CSCLC).Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 62 CSCLC patients who were treated at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from July 2000 to April 2013 and administered with TEP/TCE regimen(n=19) or EP/CE regimen(n=43) as first-line CSCLC treatment. All patients received more than two cycles of chemotherapy, and the response was evaluated every two cycles. The primary endpoint was overall survival(OS), and the secondary endpoints were progression-free survival(PFS), objective response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR), and adverse effects. Results: ORR between the TEP/TCE and EP/CE groups showed a statistical difference(90% vs. 53%, P=0.033). Both groups failed to reach a statistical difference in DCR(100% vs. 86%, P=0.212). The median PFS and OS of the TEP/TCE group were slightly longer than those of the EP/CE group, although both groups failed to reach a statistical difference(10.5 vs. 8.9 months, P=0.484; 24.0 vs. 17.5 months, P=0.457). However, stratified analysis indicated that the PFS of patients with stages III and IV CSCLC showed marginally significant difference between the TEP/TCE and EP/CE groups(19.5 vs. 7.6 months; P=0.071). Both rates of grade IV bone marrow depression and termination of chemotherapy in the TEP/TCE group were significantly higher than those in the EP/CE group(26.3% vs. 7.0%, P=0.036; 31.6% vs. 14.7%, P=0.004). Conclusion: The TEP/TCE regimen may not be preferred for CSCLC, and this three-drug regimen requires further exploration and research. To date, the EP/CE regimen remains the standard treatment for CSCLC patients.

Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Small cell carcinoma of cervix (SCCC) is a rare disease with highly aggressive behaviour and is pathologically hard to diagnose.In this study, the clinicopathological features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the condition were examined.Clinical records and follow-up data of 7 cases of SCCC were retrospectively studied.Our results showed that five non-recurrent cases initially presented irregular vaginal bleeding or increased apocenosis of varying degrees.Pathological examination revealed that the stroma was diffusely infiltrated with small monomorphous cells ranging from round to oval shape.Three cases were immunohistochemically confirmed.One case was accompanied with squamous cell cancer.Of the 7 cases, one case was classified as stage Ⅰb 1, two stageⅠ b2, one stage Ⅱ a, one stage Ⅱb , and one stage Ⅲ b.On the basis of their stages of condition, one subject with stage III b underwent chemotherapy, and one with stage Ib2 received extensive hysterectomy plus pelvic lymphadenectomy, while the other 5 cases were treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.Of the 7 patients, 4 had relapse-free survival of 14, 14, 16 and 28 months respectively.It is concluded that SCCC is an aggressive tumor with propensity for early pelvis lymph node metastases.Early-stage patients should be treated by extensive hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy in combination with pre-and/or post-operative adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Further understanding of an uncommon disease of combined small cell lung cancer： clinical features and prognostic factors of 114 cases

Objective： Combined small cell lung cancer （C-SCLC） is an uncommon subgroup of small cell lung cancer （SCLC） and few clinical data can be referred. Our study is to investigate the clinical features and prognostic factors of C-SCLC, as well as the role of multimodality treatment.Methods： Between January 2004 and December 2012, patients with histologically diagnosed C-SCLC were retrospectively analyzed. The survivals were evaluated with the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate potential prognostic factors.Results： One hundred and fourteen patients were enrolled, with a median age of 59 （range： 20-79） years old. The most common combined component was squamous cell carcinoma （52.6%）. Among these patients, the disease was stage I, II, III and IV in 9.6%, 19.3%, 46.5% and 24.6% of the patients, respectively. Eighty patients （70.2%） received at least two of the three modalities containing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. The median follow-up was 32.5 months. The median time of overall survival （OS） was 26.2 months. On univariate analysis, smoking （P=0.029）, Karnofsky performance score （KPS） 〈80 （P=0.000）, advanced TNM stage （P=0.000）, no surgery （P=0.010）, positive resection margin （P=0.000）, positive lymph nodes ≥4 （P=0.000）, positive lymph node ratio 〉10% （P=0.000） and non-multimodality treatment （P=0.004） were associated with poor OS. Multivariate analysis confirmed that smoking, advanced TNM stage, positive resection margin and positive lymph nodes ratio 〉 10% were poor prognostic features. Conclusions： C-SCLC has a relatively early stage and good prognosis, which may due to the underestimated diagnosis in non-surgical patients. Multimodality therapy is recommended, especially for limited disease. Smoking, advanced TNM stage, positive resection margin and positive lymph nodes ratio 〉10% are poor prognostic factors.

Relapse of both small cell lung cancer and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome after a 13-year disease-free survival period

Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome(LEMS) is a paraneoplastic syndrome and only 3%of small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC) patients have LEMS.Moreover,the recurrence of SCLC after a disease-free survival(DFS) of more than 10 years is rare.We report a patient who had a recurrence of both SCLC and LEMS after a 13-year DFS period.A 69-year-old man was diagnosed with LEMS and SCLC(cT0N2M0,stage ⅢA) 13 years ago.Chemoradiotherapy was performed and a complete response was achieved.With anticancer treatment,the LEMS symptoms was alleviated.At the age of 82 years,gait disturbance appeared followed by left supraclavicular lymphadenopathy and further examination revealed the recurrence of SCLC.Careful screening for the recurrence of SCLC might be needed when the patient has recurrent or secondary paraneoplastic neurological syndrome even after a long DFS period.

Development and validation of a prognostic nomogram model for Chinese patients with primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND Primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus(PSCE)is a highly invasive malignant tumor with a poor prognosis compared with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Due to the limited samples size and the short follow-up time,there are few reports on elucidating the prognosis of PSCE,especially on the establishment and validation of a survival prediction nomogram model covering general information,pathological factors and specific biological proteins of PSCE patients.AIM To establish an effective nomogram to predict the overall survival(OS)probability for PSCE patients in China.METHODS The nomogram was based on a retrospective study of 256 PSCE patients.Univariate analysis and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to examine the prognostic factors associated with PSCE,and establish the model for predicting 1-,3-,and 5-year OS based on the Akaike information criterion.Discrimination and validation were assessed by the concordance index(C-index)and calibration curve and decision curve analysis(DCA).Histology type,age,tumor invasion depth,lymph node invasion,detectable metastasis,chromogranin A,and neuronal cell adhesion molecule 56 were integrated into the model.RESULTS The C-index was prognostically superior to the 7th tumor node metastasis(TNM)staging in the primary cohort[0.659(95%CI:0.607-0.712)vs 0.591(95%CI:0.517-0.666),P=0.033]and in the validation cohort[0.700(95%CI:0.622-0.778)vs 0.605(95%CI:0.490-0.721),P=0.041].Good calibration curves were observed for the prediction probabilities of 1-,3-,and 5-year OS in both cohorts.DCA analysis showed that our nomogram model had a higher overall net benefit compared to the 7th TNM staging.CONCLUSION Our nomogram can be used to predict the survival probability of PSCE patients,which can help clinicians to make individualized survival predictions.

Detection of androgen receptor (AR) and AR-V7 in small cell prostate carcinoma: Diagnostic and therapeutic implications

Objective:Small cell prostate carcinoma(SCPC)is a rare and highly malignant subtype of prostate cancer.SCPC frequently lacks androgen receptor(AR)and prostate-specific antigen(PSA)expression,and often responds poorly to androgen deprivation therapy(ADT).AR splice variant-7(AR-V7)is a truncated AR protein implicated in resistance to AR-targeting therapies.AR-V7 expression in castration-resistant prostate cancers has been evaluated extensively,and blood-based detection of AR-V7 has been associated with lack of response to abiraterone and enzalutamide.However,whether AR-V7 is expressed in SCPC is not known.Methods:Using validated antibodies,we performed immunohistochemistry(IHC)assay for the full-length AR(AR-FL)and(AR-V7)on post-ADT surgical SCPC specimens.Results:Seventy-five percent(9/12)of the specimens showed positive staining for the AR-FL with various intensities.Thirty-three percent(4/12)of the specimens showed positive staining for AR-V7.Among the specimens with positive AR-V7 staining,two samples displayed very weak staining,one sample showed weak-to-moderate staining,and one sample showed strong staining.All positive specimens displayed a heterogeneous pattern of AR-FL/AR-V7 staining.All specimens positive for AR-V7 were also positive for AR-FL.Conclusion:The study findings support the existence of measurable AR-FL and AR-V7 proteins in SCPC specimens.The results also have implications in detection of AR-V7 in specimens obtained through systemic sampling approaches such as circulating tumor cells.A positive AR-V7 finding by blood-based tests is not impossible in patients with SCPC who often demonstrate low PSA values.

Case Report:Breast metastasis from small cell lung carcinoma

Breast metastases from extramammary neoplasms are very rare. We presented a 66 year-old female with metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma to the breast. She presented with consolidation over the left upper lobe of her lung undetermined after endobronchial or video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) biopsy,and this was treated effectively after antibiotic therapy at initial stage. The left breast lumps were noted 4 months later,and she underwent a modified radical mastectomy under the im-pression of primary breast carcinoma. However,the subsequent chest imaging revealed re-growing mass over the left mediastinum and hilum,and cells with the same morphological and staining features were found from specimens of transbronchial brushing and biopsy. An accurate diagnosis to distinguish a primary breast carcinoma from metastatic one is very important because the therapeutic planning and the outcome between them are different.

Small-cell carcinoma of the prostate with negative CD56,NSE,Syn,and CgA indicators:A case report

BACKGROUND Small-cell carcinoma of the prostate(SCCP)is a clinically rare malignant tumor,accounting for<1%of all prostate tumors.However,negativity for all SCCP neuroendocrine markers is rare.Herein,we report a case of SCCP with completely negative neuroendocrine markers and explore its clinicopathologic features,thus improving the understanding of its clinical diagnosis and management.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 48-year-old patient with SCCP negative for common sensitive neuroendocrine-staining indicators.Dysuria was the first symptom,and rectal examination revealed a hard prostate,palpable nodules,diffuse prostate enlargement,no pressure pain,no blood staining in the finger sleeve,1.33 ng/mL total prostate-specific antigen level,and a free-to-total prostate-specific antigen ratio of 0.21 ng/mL.Ultrasound suggested a prostate size of 5.3 cm×5.8 cm×5.6 cm,and magnetic resonance imaging suggested prostate cancer.The lower posterior bladder wall,rectal mesentery,and bilateral seminal vesicles were invaded,with multiple lymph node metastases in the pelvis.A whole-body bone scan suggested an abnormally active multiple bone metabolism and possible bone metastases.Head and lungs computed tomography revealed no significant nodal shadow.Following a pathological diagnosis of SCCP after a prostate puncture,with negative indicators of common sensitive neuroendocrine staining,chemotherapy was administered;the patient died 4-5 mo after SCCP diagnosis.CONCLUSION SCCP is a rare disease characterized by atypical clinical symptoms,limited treatment options,a short survival period,and a poor prognosis.

Endoscopic diagnosis of early-stage primary esophageal small cell carcinoma: Report of two cases

BACKGROUND Primary esophageal small cell carcinoma(PESCC)is a highly aggressive malignancy,and its detailed clinical behaviors have remained virtually unknown.Because of the rapid tumor progression,the diagnosis of esophageal small cell carcinoma at early stage is extremely difficult in clinical practice.Currently,only a handful of PESCC cases have been reported.CASE SUMMARY Case 1:A 62-year-old man was diagnosed with an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed a 0.8 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa.As the patient refused to undergo endoscopic resection,neoplasia was detected by endoscopy 1 year later.Case 2:A 68-year-old woman was diagnosed as having an esophageal submucosal tumor by endoscopy at a local hospital.About 2 wk later,we performed endoscopic ultrasonography and found a 1 cm low echo nodule in the muscularis mucosa;the submucosal was thinner than normal but still continuous;mucosal hyperemia and erosion were found on the surface of the tumor.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was performed and the histopathological finding showed a small cell carcinoma invading the submucosal layer.CONCLUSION Early esophageal small cell carcinoma shows submucosal infiltrating growth with a hypoechoic mass in the muscularis mucosa as diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography.It is easily misdiagnosed as submucosal masses.Endoscopic manifestations should be identified and pathological biopsies should beemployed. ESD may be performed to provide an opportunity for early treatmentof PESCC.

Progress in Diagnosis and Treatment of Small Cell Carcinoma of the Cervix

Small cell carcinoma of the cervix （SCCC） belongs to the neuroendocrine carcinomas, and it is a rare gynecological tumor of high-potential malignancy. It has a poorer prognosis compared to cervical squamous cancer or adenocarcinoma, and the therapeutic regimen of the disease differs. Diagnosis is based on pathomorphological characteristics, i.e., the small and round cancer cells （oat cell） which are uniform in shape and size, with the immunohistochemical marker helpful for diagnosis. Combined therapy is first recommended, Postoperative chemotherapy with platinum/etoposide （PE）, vincristine/adriamycin/cyclophosphamide （VAC） and taxel/carboplatin （TP） can markedly improve the prognosis of early SCCC patients.

Primary renal small cell carcinoma:A case report

BACKGROUND Small cell carcinoma(SCC)is a malignant tumour that is frequently accompanied by extensive metastasis.Primary renal SCC has typical characteristics related to SCC and is extremely rare,with no uniform treatment standard.Clinical treatment is mainly based on the literature.Here we report the diagnosis and treatment of an interesting case of primary renal SCC.CASE SUMMARY We report a tortuous course of treatment for a 68-year-old man.Four years before diagnosis,the patient developed continuous gross haematuria,during which he underwent several ureteral biopsies,ureteral stricture relief,and urine exfoliated cell examinations;however,SCC was not confirmed.One month before radical resection of the renal pelvic carcinoma,the severe haematuria recurred.Computed tomography revealed transitional cell carcinoma in the right kidney and right upper ureter.A preoperative examination exluded the possibility of a pulmonary origin of the tumour,and primary renal SCC was diagnosed.The postoperative pathology findings were suggestive of SCC.The patient was treated with combined chemotherapy but died of tumour progression at 7 mo postoperative.CONCLUSION Our patient's disease onset in the context of a succession of regular testing and the fact that it occurred so quickly with perirenal encroachment immediately after diagnosis reveals the cruel and unforgiving side of the disease.Furthermore,patients with poor comprehensive treatment results require new treatment regimens.

Primary small cell oesophageal carcinoma: A retrospective study of different treatment modalities

BACKGROUND Primary small cell of esophageal carcinoma is an aggressive tumor with no established treatment guidelines.A treatment strategy was adopted based on small cell carcinoma of the lung because of many similar clinicopathological features.Here,we report one of the largest case series in a western population.AIM To review the practice of treating small cell oesophageal cancer(SCOC)with different treatment modalities treated at our institution between 2001 and 2014.METHODS A total of 28 cases of SCOC have been identified.All cases were identified with a ten-digit code known as the CHI number.Data was collected using a combination of an electronic database,case notes and the chemotherapy electronic prescribing system(chemocare).We collected information on age,gender,performance status,staging of the disease(limited stage vs extensive stage).RESULTS The results showed 17 patients(61%)were diagnosed with limited stage small cell oesophageal cancer(LS-SCOC),while 11 patients(39%)were diagnosed with extensive stage small cell oesophageal cancer(ES-SCOC).The median age at diagnosis of SCOC was 72 years(range 52-86).The median survival for patients with ES-SCOC was 7 mo(95%CI:1-12)vs LS-SCOC[median 23 mo(95%CI:14-40)],P<0.0001.Subgroup analysis of those who received treatment showed the median survival for patients who received palliative chemotherapy was 7 mo(95%CI:1.5-12),concurrent chemoradiation 45 mo(95%CI:38-)and sequential chemoradiation 20 mo(95%CI:17-25),P<0.0001.CONCLUSION Our data strongly support the use of concurrent chemoradiation in the treatment of LS-SCOC in patients who are fit with no significant comorbidity.

ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY FOLLOWING RADICAL SURGERYFOR NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER:A RANDOMIZED STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy after radical surgery for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Seventy patients with NSCLC (stage I–III) undergone radical surgery were randomized into two groups: 35 patients received adjuvant chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide (CTX) 300 mg/m2, vincristine (VCR) 1.4% mg/m2, adriamycin (ADM) 50 mg/m2, lomustine (CCNU) 50 mg/m2 dl, cisplatin (DDP) 20 mg/m2, d1–5, for 4 cycles, and followed by oral Ftorafur (FT-207) 600–900 mg/d for 1 year (adjuvant chemotherapy group). The other 35 patients received surgical treatment only (surgery group). Results: The overall 5-year survival rate was 48.6% in the adjuvant chemotherapy group, and 31.4% in the surgery group, respectively. The difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The 5-year survival rate of patients in stage III was 44.0% and 20.8% received surgery with and without adjuvant chemotherapy, respectively. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.025). The 5-year survival rate of patients in stage I–II in the two groups was 60.0% and 54.5%, respectively (P>0.75). Conclusion: Postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy in NSCLC can improve survival, for those patients in stage III, it suggests significantly 5-year survival rate in the adjuvant chemotherapy group was higher than that in the surgery alone group.

Primary small cell esophageal carcinoma,chemotherapy sequential immunotherapy:A case report

BACKGROUND Primary small cell esophageal carcinoma(PSCEC)is aggressive and rare,with a worse prognosis than other subtypes esophageal carcinoma.No definitive and optimum standard guidelines are established for treating it.Herein,we report a case of PSCEC,including a current literature review of PSCEC.CASE SUMMARY A 79-year-old male was diagnosed PSCEC with multiple lymph node metastasis thorough computed tomography,positron emission tomography-computed tomography,endoscopy and pathology.Surgery was not suitable for this patient.He was treated with etoposide 100 mg/m2 and cisplatin 25 mg/m2 on days 1-3,every 3 wk for 4 cycles.The tumor and lymph nodes became smaller and dysphagia and vomiting symptoms improved.The patient could not tolerate subsequent chemotherapy(CT)because of hematological toxicity;therefore,we performed immunotherapy(durvalumab,1500 mg)every 4 wk.At present the patient has received 12 cycles immunotherapy over about 1 year.He is still receiving treatment and follow-up.CONCLUSION PSCEC with multiple lymph nodes metastasis does not always indicate surgery.CT may extend survival time and improve the quality of life in the absence of surgery.Immunotherapy or immunotherapy plus CT may also work as a treatment for PSCEC.