Paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome in a patient with small cell lung cancer: case report

Abstract

We discuss the case of small-cell lung cancer patient with clinical features of paraneoplastic Cushing’s syndrome. The primary symptoms included electrolyte imbalance, glucose intolerance, and increased oedemas of the lower extremities. In January 2016, the patient's performance status was 2 in ECOG scale and antineoplastic treatment with carboplatin and etoposide was initiated. Following the 2nd chemotherapy cycle symptoms of paraneoplastic syndrome significantly were alleviated and performance status improved (grade 1), allowing a change of chemotherapy protocol to a more standard one (cisplatin and etoposide). At the time of the subsequent chemotherapy cycles the patent's good general condition was maintained. Use of causative treatment allowed achievement of significant clinical improvement and recovery of laboratory values.