Multi-modality Therapies for Advanced Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcemic Type (SCCOHT): Three Case Reports and Literature Review

Background: Small-cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) is a rare but highly undifferentiated, aggressive malignancy that primarily affects young women. Due to the early onset, unclear familial history, and vague presenting symptoms, most SCCOHT patients present with advanced disease and have a very poor prognosis. Although several therapeutic regimens have been proposed, there is no consensus on the optimal strategy. Case presentationWe described three cases of advanced-stage SCCOHT treated with cytoreductive surgery and chemotherapy with or without immune checkpoint blockade treatment. The patients showed different survival rates.ConclusionsGiven the almost universal mortality of advanced SCCOHT during long-term follow-up, we believe these cases highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis as well as early, aggressive, and combined modality treatment of SCCOHT. We also believe that improved therapies could result in more young patients surviving SCCOHT.