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Small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx: case series and literature review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 July 2015

Muhammad Shahid Iqbal ,
V Paleri ,
J Moor ,
W Dobrowsky ,
C Kelly  and
J Kovarik
Muhammad Shahid Iqbal*
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcaslte upon Tyne, UK
V Paleri
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
J Moor
Affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Sunderland Royal Hospital, UK
W Dobrowsky
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcaslte upon Tyne, UK
C Kelly
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcaslte upon Tyne, UK
J Kovarik
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcaslte upon Tyne, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Department of Clinical Oncology, Northern Centre for Cancer Care, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN, UK Fax: +44 191 2137691 E-mail: shahid.iqbal@nhs.net
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Abstract

Background:

Primary small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of larynx is a rare, aggressive type of malignancy. As only about 200 cases worldwide have been reported, any larger institutional experience is valuable. This study reports our experience in managing this rare entity.

Methods:

Of the nine patients identified, three had metastatic cancer at the time of diagnosis. Four patients underwent radical treatment: one was managed surgically followed by adjuvant chemotherapy and consolidation radiotherapy; the remaining three were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and definitive radiotherapy.

Results:

Of the 4 patients treated with radical intent, 1 was alive and disease free after 99 months, 2 died of metastatic disease after 22 and 26 months, and 1 was alive after 20 months with a diagnosis of recurrent disease.

Conclusion:

Our relatively small number of patients confirms other centres' experiences. This cancer has a poorer prognosis than most other head and neck cancers. Although the logistics would be challenging, there is a need for international multicentre trials for this disease modelled on those performed for other cancers, as has been done for paediatric malignancies.

Keywords

NeuroendocrineSmall Cell CarcinomaLarynxChemotherapyRadiotherapy

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 9 , September 2015 , pp. 910 - 915
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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