High dose of nimustine as an add-on treatment for small cell lung cancer with intracranial metastasis: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) characterized by high degree of malignancy and rapid tumor progression. Intracranial metastases often appear at the time of the initial diagnosis or treatment. Besides of radiotherapy, chemotherapy is supposed to have limited effect. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 66-year-old male had blurred vision and unsteady step with moderate headache, nausea, vomit. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with SCLC with intracranial metastases. INTERVENTIONS: High dose of nimustine (ACNU) (300 mg/m(2)) add to the regimen containing carboplatin and irinotecan. OUTCOMES: Although the patient suffered severe myelosuppression, the intracranial lesion almost disappeared and maintained half a year. LESSONS: ACNU at a dose of 200 mg/m(2) might be tolerable in combination with other chemotherapeutic drugs for the treatment of SCLC with intracranial metastases besides radiotherapy.