De novo purely prostatic large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with thyroid and adrenal metastases

SUMMARY: Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare neuroendocrine prostatic malignancy. It usually arises after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), while de novo cases are even more infrequent, with only six cases described. The patient was a 78-year-old man with no history of ADT who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Diagnostic approaches included PET/CT, MRI, CT scans, ultrasonography, biopsies, and cytological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Results showed a poorly differentiated carcinoma in the thyroid gland accompanied by cervical lymph node enlargement. Thyroid surgery revealed LCNEC metastasis to the thyroid gland. Additional metastases were identified in both the adrenal glands. Despite appropriate treatment, the patient died of the disease. De novo LCNEC of the prostate is a rare, highly aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis. It is resistant to most therapeutic agents, has a high metastatic potential, and is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage. Further studies are required to characterize this tumor. LEARNING POINTS: De novo LCNECs of the prostate gland can metastasize almost anywhere in the body, including the thyroid and adrenal glands. LCNECs of the prostate are usually associated with androgen-depriving therapy, but de novo cases are also notable and should be accounted for. Further studies are required to fully understand and treat LCNECs more effectively.