Successful chemotherapy with carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel for thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma: A case report

Abstract

Thymic large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs) are rare, and the optimal regimen for second and subsequent lines of chemotherapy for the treatment of LCNECs remains unknown. In the present case study, a 59-year-old male with post-operative recurrent thymic LCNEC was treated with nab-paclitaxel and carboplatin every 4 weeks as third-line chemotherapy, and a partial response was achieved following 4 cycles of this regimen. The patient developed grade 4 neutropenia and grade 3 leukopenia, but none of the other toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy, were severe. Therefore, the patient was able to tolerate this salvage chemotherapy. To the best of our knowledge, the present study is the first case demonstrating clinically meaningful antitumor activity by combination chemotherapy with carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel, resulting in a positive response in a patient with thymic LCNEC.