A complete response in small cell carcinoma of the esophagus treated by s-1/cisplatin combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy

J Gastrointest Cancer. 2010 Dec;41(4):275-80. doi: 10.1007/s12029-010-9159-7.

Abstract

Small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SmCCE) is a rare disease which is considered to be more malignant than the most common types of esophageal cancer. The optimal treatment strategy for this disease still remains controversial. A 69-year-old male was diagnosed to have SmCCE (stage IIIA, T3N1M0). Due to the patient's poor general condition, chemo-radiotherapy consisting of S-1/cisplatin therapy and a total of 60 Gy of radiotherapy was performed. After the treatment, the main lesion completely disappeared while some ulceration remained. A histological examination revealed no viable cancer cells in biopsy specimens obtained by endoscopy. Computed tomographic examinations showed a decreased wall thickness of the esophagus and an improvement in the swelling of the lymph nodes. S-1 monotherapy was administered following the main chemoradiation therapy, and it was performed for a total of 20 courses. The patient has been doing well without recurrence for over 3 years. We judged the effect to be a complete response. This combination chemo-radiotherapy with S-1 and cisplatin may therefore be one of the effective treatments against SmCCE.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Asthma / complications
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / pathology
  • Carcinoma, Small Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Cisplatin / administration & dosage
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus
  • Drug Combinations
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Oxonic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Radiotherapy
  • Remission Induction
  • Tegafur / administration & dosage

Substances

  • Drug Combinations
  • S 1 (combination)
  • Tegafur
  • Oxonic Acid
  • Cisplatin