CD117, Ki-67, and p53 predict survival in neuroendocrine carcinomas, but not within the subgroup of small cell lung carcinoma.

High-grade neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs) are aggressive tumors with limited treatment options. Recently, studies have observed that the tyrosine kinase receptor CD117 is often overexpressed in this malignancy. As a result, CD117 has been identified as a target for therapy via the small molecule, tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib mesylate.