Work

Long-term durable response to Sintilimab therapy in synchronous lung squamous cell carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma: a rare case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Gastric cancer (GC) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are major global causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality, but their synchronous occurrence is exceedingly rare and poses substantial diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This report describes a 64-year-old male with synchronous lung SCC and gastric adenocarcinoma who achieved long-term disease control with Sintilimab monotherapy. Initial imaging and biopsy confirmed poorly differentiated lung SCC (PD-L1 CPS: 2), while PET-CT and endoscopy identified a gastric lesion later confirmed as adenocarcinoma (PD-L1 CPS: 5). Despite indications for chemotherapy, the patient declined cytotoxic therapy and initially refused surgery. He was treated with Sintilimab plus Anlotinib, resulting in lung lesion regression. Progression of gastric obstruction led to gastrectomy two years later; subsequent lung recurrence was managed surgically. Both tumors showed high proliferative indices (Ki-67 ~80-90%) and PD-L1 expression, supporting responsiveness to immune checkpoint blockade. This case highlights the feasibility of immune monotherapy in managing complex synchronous malignancies, especially when standard treatments are declined.

Source: Frontiers in Oncology

DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2026.1679799

Authors: Margaret Mekuriya Bassaye, Zou Jijian, Zhou Li, Shuai Han

Institutions: Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University

Language: English

Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Biomarkers

Subfield: Oncology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801