Primary Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma Response Favorably To Nivolumab: A Case Report

OBJECTIVES: Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is a rare subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). No clinical trials have been performed, and no course of treatment for LELC has been established because of it’s rarity. This study presents a patient with primary pulmonary LELC, who was treated with nivolumab, and responded favorably. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A patient with primary pulmonary LELC was treated using nivolumab. RESULT: The patient responded well to immunotherapy with nivolumab. After five cycles of the nivolumab, the size of the tumor and the lesions of the liver became smaller. A blood test showed that CYFRA21-1 and NSE had dramatically decreased from before, especially the CYFRA21-1. CONCLUSION: EBV-positive pulmonary LELC with high expression of PD-L1 may derive a benefit from PD-1/PD-L1 blockade.