Eber- and LMP-1-expressing pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma in a caucasian patient

Abstract

Primary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) of the lung is a rare tumor that preferentially affects Asian patients, with only 15 cases described in Caucasians to date. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is present in most lung LELCs in Asians, but it has never been shown in Caucasians. EBV small nuclear RNA and latent membrane protein-1 were identified in the neoplastic cells of primary LELC of the lung diagnosed by endobronchial biopsy in a 25-year-old Italian male. Despite advanced locoregional disease, with neoplastic infiltration of the main right bronchus, the carina, and the pulmonary artery, which prevented surgical resection, partial response and 1-year symptom-free follow-up were achieved after combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy.