In a subset of patients with pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor, the tumor autonomously secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), driving a distinct and clinically significant complication that requires targeted management alongside the underlying malignancy.
This protocol addresses pulmonary neuroendocrine tumor complicated by Cushing's syndrome caused by ectopic ACTH secretion — a paraneoplastic state in which excess cortisol production arises from tumor-driven ACTH release rather than from a pituitary or adrenal source.
The treatment of choice in this setting involves steroid synthesis inhibitors to control cortisol excess. The specific agents, their combination, and the full clinical algorithm are available in the complete protocol.