Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung: a population-based study

Abstract: Introduction Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) accounts for approximately 3% of lung malignancies. There are limited data on the epidemiology and best treatment practices for this malignancy. This study aims to be the largest cohort with the most up-to-date analysis of the epidemiology of LCNEC. Methods The SEER database was queried to identify cases of LCNEC diagnosed from 2010 through 2015, reflecting years the American Joint Committee on Cancer 7th Edition Staging was in use. Using these data, we compared the epidemiology, demographics, clinical characteristics and survival times of LCNEC with small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Trends in incidence and mortality were recorded from 2004 – 2015. Results 195,148 cases of lung cancer, including 1,681 (0.9%) cases of LCNEC, were analyzed. LCNEC was more common among males and usually presented with stage IV disease (55%). Brain metastasis occurred more frequently in LCNEC (19.2%) than SCLC (16.7%, p Conclusions LCNEC generally presents at more advanced stages than NSCLC but earlier than SCLC. Stages I-III LCNEC behave similarly to NSCLC, whereas stage IV is more akin to SCLC. LCNEC incidence is increasing. Despite this, it remains poorly studied without improved prognosis in our cohort.