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Metastatic small cell carcinoma of the endometrium: prolonged remission and possible cure following chemotherapy
  1. R. W. Hunter,
  2. M. Buck,
  3. I. G. Hammond and
  4. K. E. Williams*
  1. * Departments of Gynaecologic Oncology and Pathology, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia
  1. Address for correspondence: Dr Ian Hammond, Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, King Edward Memorial Hospital For Women, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, Perth 6008, Western Australia.

Abstract

A 54-year-old woman with inoperable metastatic small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the endometrium was treated with cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy on the basis of the histologic similarity to pulmonary SCC. The response to treatment was monitored using serum neuron specific enolase (NSE) levels. A complete remission was obtained with resolution of symptoms and disappearance of the mass. The patient is alive and well 4½ years later. Considering the aggressive behavior and short survival usually associated with this tumor and the presence of such advanced disease, a complete response to chemotherapy was unexpected. It would appear that chemotherapy should always be considered in the management of metastatic endometrial SCC, even in the presence of large-volume disease.

  • chemotherapy
  • endometrium
  • small cell carcinoma
  • survival.

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