A recurrence-free survivor with chemotherapy-refractory small cell lung cancer after pneumonectomy: A case report and review of the literature

RATIONALE: The optimal therapeutic regimen for chemotherapy-refractory and node-positive small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is criticizable for the lack of evidence. PATIENT CONCERNS: A patient with locally advanced SCLC was insensitive to the first-line chemotherapy of etoposide, irinotecan, and cisplatin. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed as SCLC with mediastinal lymph node metastasis by pathological staining. INTERVENTIONS: Salvage pneumonectomy and systematic lymph node dissection combined with oral apatinib and mediastinal radiotherapy were performed for him. OUTCOMES: The patient survived for more than 2 years without recurrence after the operation and adjuvant therapy. LESSONS: For patients with chemotherapy-resistant but resectable SCLC, a timely resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy and apatinib might be effective.