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 anoption for thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma.