Transformation or Clonal Evolution? A Rare Case Report of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma Developing to Small Cell Lung Cancer
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Many cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) transforming to small cell lung cancer (SCLC) after targeted therapy have been reported, most of which are associated with acquired resistance mutations. Herein, we report the first documented case of phenotypic conversion to SCLC in a patient with advanced pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) who received pemetrexed, carboplatin, and camrelizumab only, with no targeted agents administered. Through comparative analysis of two serial pathological biopsies and genetic profiling, our findings suggest that PSC may undergo clonal evolution or alternative transformation mechanisms under therapeutic pressure. TP53 and RET mutations may be implicated in this phenotypic transition. This case provides new insights into the biological mechanism underlying the evolution of PSC to SCLC.
Source: Thoracic Cancer
Authors: Wen Jiang, Yuwei Zhang, Xingmei Li, Qi Si, Zhaohuan Ye, Youfeng Ma, Haitao Zhou, Jianwei Huang, Chao Zhang, Ge Zhang
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,030
OpenAlex ID: W7166855423