Can cytokines prolong survival in ampullary neuroendocrine carcinomas?

Herein we report the case of an ampullary tumor in a 53-yr-old Japanese woman who presented in March 1988 with abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. A pancreatoduodenectomy was carried out, and 3 months later, she presented with a Virchow's node. She was initially treated with cytokines plus 5-fluorouracil derivative, resulting in a complete remission lasting over a year. However, in July 1990, the Virchow's node reappeared and was surgically excised. Histology revealed a small-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (SCNC) similar to the prior ampullary tumor, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical studies and electron microscopic examination. The patient was discharged within 1 month, remaining disease-free over a 18-month period following excision. We suggest that the use of cytokines can be effective, and can increase survival in gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.