A case of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor-producing esophageal squamous cell carcinoma treated with chemoradiation therapy

The patient was a 64-year-old man who presented with a hoarse voice, pharyngalgia, and high fever. Despite receiving therapy, he presented with dysphagia, and endoscopy revealed a tumor in the thoracic esophagus. A biopsy indicated squamous cell carcinoma. Despite no evidence of infection, laboratory findings revealed leukocytosis and high serum levels of granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF). An immunohistochemical study showed positive staining for G-CSF in the tumor cells. Chemoradiation therapy (CRT) with 5-fluorouracil and cisplatin was administered, but his response to treatment was evaluated as progressive disease. Bone, brain, and liver metastases were detected consecutively, and he died 7 months after diagnosis. There are few reports of G-CSF-producing esophageal tumors, and the prognosis is very poor.