Long-term remission achieved via combined chemotherapy and radiotherapy in a non-resectable granulocyte colony-stimulating factor producing pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung

Intern Med. 2013;52(19):2259-63. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.0701. Epub 2012 Mar 1.

Abstract

The prognosis is poor for patients with advanced pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung due to the generally limited response to chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. It has been suggested the production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) by cancer cells may aggravate the disease progression. We herein report a case of a 73-year-old Japanese man with advanced G-CSF-producing pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung. First-line chemotherapy with carboplatin and paclitaxel had been suspended. Subsequent radiotherapy achieved a moderate volume reduction and an amelioration of the excessive G-CSF-related complications. Six cycles of second-line chemotherapy with docetaxel administered with good results. These combined treatments resulted in long term survival without progression of the disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / administration & dosage
  • Carcinoma / diagnosis
  • Carcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Carcinoma / radiotherapy*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Lung Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Male
  • Remission Induction
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor