Malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor: a case report and literature review

A malignant gastrointestinal neuroectodermal tumor (GNET) is an extremely rare primary malignant mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by EWSR1 gene rearrangement. An optimal systemic treatment strategy for advanced/recurrent GNET has not yet been identified.

A 24-year-old male patient was hospitalized with abdominal pain and underwent two operations for a tumor in his small intestine. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) showed strong expression of S-100 protein and SOX 10. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis and next-generation sequencing analysis indicated that there were EWSR gene rearrangements and the presence of EWSR-ATP1 gene fusions, respectively. The diagnosis of GNET in the small intestine was confirmed by pathology. The young patient received the fifth-line of apatinib mesylate and the sixth-line of apatinib combined with temozolomide. The two apatinib-containing regimens showed stable disease and progression-free survival of 4.7 months and 3.1 months with single-agent apatinib or apatinib combined with temozolomide, respectively.

To our best knowledge, this is the first report of malignant GNET treated with apatinib and temozolomide. Apatinib-containing regimens might has antineoplastic activity against GNET. The authors reviewed the relevant reports of previous GNET treatment, summarized the clinicopathological characteristics of GNET, and found that there are no reports of apatinib for backline treatment of GNET.

Containing apatinib may provide an additional treatment option for patients with chemotherapy-resistant GNET tumors.