Definitive IMRT for Stage III Thymic Carcinoma: A Brief Report and Literature Review

INTRODUCTION: Thymic carcinoma is a rare malignancy often presenting at an advanced stage. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are often the only treatment options available to physicians. METHODS: A 70-year-old man presented with an unresectable stage III thymic tumor and was treated with 45 Gy in 25 fractions followed by a boost of 21.6 Gy in 12 fractions. He was also treated with bortezomib for multiple myeloma unrelated to his primary malignancy. RESULTS: The patient made a full recovery following the radiation regimen and remained disease free 4 years after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Exclusive treatment with intensity-modulated radiation therapy provides a viable treatment option for patients presenting with advanced stage thymic carcinoma.