Neuroendocrine carcinoma of gallbladder: report of 2 cases
Keechilat Pavithran, Kumar Prabhash, Diganta Hazarika and Dinesh C Doval
New Delhi, India
Author Affiliations: Departments of Medical (Pavithran K, Prabhash K and Doval DC) and Surgical Oncology (Hazarika D), Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, New Delhi-110085, India Corresponding Author: Keechilat Pavithran, DM, Department of Medical Oncology, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre, Rohini, New Delhi-110085, India (Fax: 91-11-27051011; Email: drkpavithran@hotmail.com)
BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma of the gallbladder is rare. Its best treatment is not known.
METHODS: Two patients underwent surgery earlier: one for suspected cholecystitis and the other for cholelithiasis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) showed residual lesions in the livers. The two patients underwent revision surgery followed by chemotherapy.
RESULTS: Both patients tolerated the second stage surgery well, which was followed by chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosphamide and cisplatin for 6 cycles. They were treated this way for 8 months and 12 months post treatment, respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: A proper diagnosis of neuroendocrine carcinoma is made often after surgery. As it is a slow growing tumor and not very chemotherapeutically, sensitive surgery offers the best local control.
2005, Vol. 4 
