Complete remission after hypofractionated radiotherapy for a patient with inoperable adenoid cystic carcinoma of bronchus: A case report

RATIONALE: Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma (TACC) is a rare malignancy. Surgical resection remains the standard treatment of choice. But it is frequently unresectable due to its local extension. The practicability and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) for TACC remains unknown since most of the TACCs are centrally located. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 57-year-old female presented with paroxysmal cough, expectoration, and hemoptysis. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest revealed a nodule originating from the wall of right primary bronchus, with 1.9∗1.2 cm in size. Bronchoscope confirmed the node on the medial wall of the right primary bronchus extending towards the carina, with a close distance of 0.5 cm. Biopsy from the node was considered as adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC). The clinical stage of the patient was T3N0M0. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent HRT with a total dose of 60Gy in twelve fractions. OUTCOMES: The patient experienced complete remission after HRT. No symptomatic radiation-induced toxicity (≥grade 2) was observed during the follow-up. LESSONS: HRT may be a safe and effective modality for inoperable TACC.