[Successful pembrolizumab therapy in metastasized adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon]

Pathologe. 2019 Sep;40(5):540-545. doi: 10.1007/s00292-018-0546-3.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Adenosquamous carcinoma (ASqC) is an exceedingly rare subtype of colorectal cancer without any known special guidelines for treatment. The biological behaviour and molecular background are widely unknown, although a few case studies report a worse prognosis compared to ordinary colorectal adenocarcinoma. We herein report for the first time the successful immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in a 40-year-old patient suffering from metastasized right-sided colonic ASqC with unique molecular features, after having previously progressed under standard chemotherapy.

Keywords: Adenosquamous colorectal carcinoma; FOLFOX4; Immune checkpoint inhibition; Microsatellite instability.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma*
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / therapeutic use*
  • Carcinoma, Adenosquamous*
  • Colonic Neoplasms*
  • Humans

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • pembrolizumab