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Everolimus in poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary: A case report
Maroun Bou Zerdan1, Ramzi Hamouche2, Youssef Bouferraa3
1Department of Internal Medicine, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
Abstract:
Malignancies with unknown primaries contribute to a small yet significant percentage of overall tumors. Neuroendocrine carcinomas, a rare disease with a poor prognosis, have been known to present as an unknown primary. Treatment consists of cytotoxic chemotherapy but given the latter's high toxicity profile new treatment options are being explored. In this case report, we describe a case of a patient with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary treated with compassionate oral everolimus after his refusal of intravenous chemotherapy.
Insights
Poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary is rare. This case report details a patient treated with oral everolimus after refusing toxic chemotherapy, exploring new treatment avenues.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Malignancies with unknown primaries represent a subset of tumors.
- Neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are rare, aggressive neoplasms often presenting as unknown primaries.
- Standard treatment for NECs involves cytotoxic chemotherapy, which carries a significant toxicity profile.
Observation:
- This case report focuses on a patient diagnosed with poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary.
- The patient declined conventional intravenous chemotherapy due to its toxicity concerns.
Findings:
- The patient was treated with compassionate use of oral everolimus.
- This approach explored an alternative therapeutic strategy for advanced NEC.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential of oral everolimus as an alternative treatment for neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary.
- Exploring novel therapeutic options is crucial for improving outcomes in rare and aggressive malignancies.
- Further research into targeted therapies like everolimus may offer less toxic alternatives to traditional chemotherapy.
