Metastatic Primary Hepatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract

AIM: Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (PHNECs) are rare tumors with limited understanding and management. Diagnosing and treating these tumors pose significant challenges due to the lack of clinical experience. Surgery is often considered an effective therapeutic strategy for early-stage PHNECs. This case report describes an advanced metastatic PHNEC managed primarily with chemotherapy.

CASE PRESENTATION: The medical records of the patient and diagnostic imaging findings were reviewed. A multidisciplinary team of specialists discussed the case and determined the treatment plan. The patient received a chemotherapy regimen tailored to PHNEC, which included specific neuroendocrine tumor-targeting agents.

RESULTS: Despite the advanced stage of the disease, the patient responded well to chemotherapy, with a notable reduction in tumor size and improvement in symptoms. The treatment was well-tolerated, and the patient showed a favorable overall response. The survival duration from the time of diagnosis was 18 months.

CONCLUSIONS: In this case of advanced metastatic PHNEC, a primarily chemotherapy-based approach yielded positive outcomes. Although surgery is typically preferred for early-stage cases, this case highlights the potential efficacy of chemotherapy in managing advanced PHNECs. Further research and clinical experience are warranted to better understand the optimal treatment strategies for these rare tumors.