Sustained Remission With Atezolizumab in a Frail, Geriatric Patient With Advanced-Stage Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma Lung

TL;DR

A frail elderly patient with advanced lung cancer achieved long-term remission using a combination of treatments including immunotherapy.

Contribution

Demonstrates sustained remission in a geriatric LCNEC patient using a tailored treatment approach including atezolizumab.

Findings

The patient achieved complete remission after 10 cycles of treatment.

Remission was sustained for 6 years, highlighting the potential of immunotherapy in LCNEC.

A multidisciplinary approach was effective in managing advanced LCNEC in a frail geriatric patient.

Abstract

Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, aggressive cancer primarily found in the lungs but can also occur in other organs. It is characterized by rapid progression and high metastatic potential. We present a case of advanced-stage LCNEC lung in a patient with a poor performance status (PS), requiring oxygen support. Imaging revealed a large right upper lobe mass, lymphadenopathy, with bronchial encasement and invasion into the superior vena cava, leading to SVC syndrome and pleural effusion. Biopsy and immunohistochemistry confirmed LCNEC. Due to the patient's poor PS, treatment began with low-dose single-agent chemotherapy (carboplatin), followed by etoposide and cisplatin after improvement. Local radiation was also administered, and the treatment plan was adjusted to include atezolizumab. After 10 cycles, the patient achieved complete remission, sustained for 6 years. This case highlights the complexities of managing advanced LCNEC in a geriatric patient and the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary approach and immunotherapy.

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