Lymphoepithelial carcinoma of the larynx: An unusual response to EXTREME regimen therapy. A new option for treatment?

Abstract

Lymphoepithelial Carcinoma (LEC), an aggressive variant of Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC), is an undifferentiated carcinoma with an intermixed reactive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. Most cases of LEC occur in the nasopharynx, while it rarely involves other sites. LEC of larynx and hypopharynx is an extremely rare and aggressive neoplasm, characterized by a high propensity to loco-regional dissemination and a poor prognosis; it represents the 0,2% of all tumours of the larynx. Since it is such a rare tumor, the current literature provides only recommendations and there are no treatment guidelines available. A 70-year-old man with laryngeal LEC and both distant and nodal metastases was treated with chemotherapy, following EXTREME regimen therapy. It was classified as a cT3 N3b M1 glottic cancer (Stage IVC, AJCC 8th Ed.), stage IVC. As the response on metastases was unexpectedly encouraging, surgical treatment on T could be performed. Patient underwent to total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection. To date, eight months after surgery, the patient is disease free. The unusual clinical course is reported.