BRAF V600E-mutated combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma and adenocarcinoma responding to targeted therapy

BMJ Case Rep. 2021 Dec 30;14(12):e243295. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2021-243295.

Abstract

We present a case of combined large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), harbouring a BRAF V600E mutation, which significantly benefited from BRAF-targeted therapy. A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for headache and vomiting. A head MRI showed a large tumour in her brain, and a whole-body CT revealed a tumour in the hilum of the right lung and mediastinal lymphadenopathies. Both the resected brain tumour and the mediastinal lymph node tissue contained LCNEC. Next-generation sequencing revealed a BRAF V600E mutation, and a combination therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib was initiated. The patient had a good response to treatment. Like non-small cell lung cancer patients, LCNEC patients should undergo multiplex somatic mutation testing.

Keywords: genetic screening / counselling; lung cancer (oncology).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma* / diagnostic imaging
  • Adenocarcinoma* / drug therapy
  • Adenocarcinoma* / genetics
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / diagnostic imaging
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine* / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / drug therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms* / diagnostic imaging
  • Lung Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / genetics

Substances

  • BRAF protein, human
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf