Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: a unique type of lung cancer? Identification of molecular and clinical subtypes & consequences for treatment

About 1-3% of all new cases of lung cancer are large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC). This is an aggressive form of lung cancer; patients with metastatic disease have an average of 4-9 months to live after diagnosis. The treatment for them currently consists of chemotherapy as we also use for other forms of lung cancer. This dissertation studied similarities and differences between LCNEC and other forms of (lung) cancer. Through more clarity about these similarities and differences, it can be better predicted to which type of treatment LCNEC patients will respond well. Also, different subgroups of LCNEC are distinguished. Patients in these subgroups may also benefit from a slightly different treatment. LCNEC appears to be a form of lung cancer with unique characteristics, but also with a clear overlap with other forms of lung cancer.