A case of neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder with long-term survival after successful carboplatin-etoposide combination therapy

Abstract

Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the gallbladder is a very rare disease with a poor prognosis. In this study, we report a case of long-term survival after carboplatin-etoposide combination therapy for gallbladder NEC. A man in his 50s was diagnosed with liver function abnormalities on physical examination, and gallbladder cancer was suspected on computed tomography (CT) scan. After pathological diagnosis of gallbladder small-cell NEC with open cholecystectomy, the patient was referred to our hospital for further treatment. For gallbladder NEC with multiple metastases (liver, lung and lymph nodes), carboplatin plus etoposide combination therapy was initiated due to mild renal dysfunction. After 6 courses, contrast-enhanced CT showed remarkable tumor shrinkage of the metastases. The patient was alive 28 months after completion of chemotherapy with a complete response. Carboplatin-etoposide combination therapy can be safely administered to patients who have difficulty receiving cisplatin and may be a useful treatment option for advanced gallbladder NEC.