# Pseudoprogression of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Therapy: A Case Report

## TL;DR

This case report shows that radiological signs of tumor growth after cancer treatment may not reflect true tumor progression, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation before deciding on surgery.

## Contribution

The report highlights pseudoprogression in NSCLC after neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy, urging caution in interpreting radiological findings.

## Key findings

- Radiological progression after treatment did not reflect true tumor growth.
- Histopathology showed a complete pathological response with no viable tumor.
- The case underscores the risk of withholding surgery based solely on radiological findings.

## Abstract

Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy is increasingly used in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and has demonstrated improved pathological response rates. However, radiological progression following treatment may result in potentially curative surgery being withheld.

We report the case of a 75-year-old male with a poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma of the right lower lobe lung adenocarcinoma treated with neoadjuvant carboplatin, paclitaxel, and nivolumab. Post-treatment CT scan showed radiological progression. The patient underwent video-assisted thoracoscopic right lower lobectomy with posterior segmentectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a complete pathological response with no viable tumor and no nodal involvement.

This case highlights the importance of recognizing pseudoprogression in the neoadjuvant setting.