A case of advanced NUTc of the nasal cavity: case report and review of the literature

Abstract Nuclear protein in testis carcinoma (NUTc) is a rare and highly aggressive salivary gland tumor predominantly affecting young patients. It typically involves midline head and neck structures, progresses rapidly, and is associated with a median survival of 6 to 9 months, resulting in an 80%...

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Main Authors: Ningping Xiao, Cheng Lin, Tingjie Yu, Feng Bi, Pingping Tan, Jiahui Tan, Rong Zhang, Fan Lou, Xiaoxue Xie, Zi Xu, Jingru Yang, Hekun Jin, Pei Yang, Yi Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer 2025-07-01
Series:Discover Oncology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1007/s12672-025-03227-2
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Summary:Abstract Nuclear protein in testis carcinoma (NUTc) is a rare and highly aggressive salivary gland tumor predominantly affecting young patients. It typically involves midline head and neck structures, progresses rapidly, and is associated with a median survival of 6 to 9 months, resulting in an 80% mortality rate within the first year post-diagnosis. In this study, we present a rapidly progressing case of a 28-year-old male diagnosed with NUTc localized to the right nasal cavity (clinical stage cT4bN2M0, IVb). The patient underwent four cycles of cetuximab (anti-EGFR) combined with albumin-bound paclitaxel and cisplatin, achieving transient partial remission before experiencing rapid disease progression. During the observation period, his clinical condition deteriorated precipitously, rendering surgical intervention unfeasible and necessitating a transition to second-line chemotherapy (cisplatin + etoposide, EC regimen). Following one cycle of EC, the patient received symptomatic supportive care; however, during the two-month follow-up, he reported worsening headaches and was subsequently lost to follow-up. This case highlights the critical need for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including prompt immunohistochemical staining and molecular testing in symptomatic patients, early tumor burden reduction, and rigorous follow-up protocols to improve survival outcomes.
ISSN:2730-6011