Sequential anlotinib and camrelizumab combination therapy achieves exceptional survival in multi-driver mutated, TMB-low/PD-L1-low/MSS pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma: case report and literature review

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Authors: Jun Zhu, Ai Zhu, Gang Li, Lidong Liu, Ziran Gao, Jiayun Liu, Yunfei Ye, Xunzhi Zhu, Yi Li, Hong Chen, Meijin Huang
Cited by: 0
References: 69

Abstract

Pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC) is a rare and aggressive subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose molecular characteristics and therapeutic strategies remain poorly defined. This case report documents an exceptional 72-month overall survival in a 40-year-old male patient with stage IVa pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma (PSC). The patient harbored seven coexisting driver mutations [ ROS1 , RET(exon16,exon19) , TSC2 , ALK , STK11 , PTEN ] and exhibited triple-negative immunosuppressive biomarkers: low PD-L1 expression (TPS 3%), low tumor mutational burden (TMB, 11mut/Mb), and microsatellite stable (MSS) status. Sequential anlotinib (anti-angiogenic drug) and camrelizumab (PD-1 inhibitor) combination therapy overcame three biological barriers: (1) angiogenesis inhibition reversed PD-L1 primary resistance by remodeling the tumor microenvironment; (2) treatment induced neoantigens bypassed TMB-L/MSS limitations; (3) multi-target synergy against seven driver mutations. This approach resulted in unprecedented survival outcomes: the 72-month overall survival dramatically exceeds the median OS of less than 12 months reported for advanced PSC, and the patient maintained a progression-free survival of over 37 months on combination therapy, surpassing historical PFS benchmarks. This case provides a clinically actionable framework for managing multi-driver mutated, immunoresistant PSC.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Metastasis and carcinoma case studies Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Studies Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Publication details

Journal / source
Frontiers in Immunology
Volume
16
Pages
1718918–1718918
Publication date
8 January 2026
Language
EN