Long-Lasting Complete Remission of Small-Cell Carcinoma of the Pancreas with Carboplatin and Etoposide Complicated by Gallbladder Adenocarcinoma Diagnosed during Follow-Up

Abstract

Small-cell carcinoma of the pancreas (PSCC) is a highly aggressive neoplasia with a dismal prognosis. It is extremely rare, with only a few cases reported in the literature. There is a paucity of clinical data to guide management and since the disease is mainly diagnosed at an advanced stage standard treatment consists of chemotherapy based upon treatment protocols used for small-cell lung cancer. We report the case of a female diagnosed with PSCC who achieved complete clinical remission after treatment with carboplatin and etoposide. During a 3-year follow-up the patient developed a gallbladder adenocarcinoma that was treated by surgical resection but relapsed within 20 months with widespread hematogenous metastasis.

Keywords

• carboplatin
• complete remission
• etoposide
• pancreatic cancer
• small-cell carcinoma