Spontaneous complete regression of multiple metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

Lim,Do Hyoung; Park,Keon Woo; Lee,Soon Il

doi:10.3892/ol.2014.1869

Spontaneous complete regression of multiple metastases of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report

Authors:
- Do Hyoung Lim
- Keon Woo Park
- Soon Il Lee
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Affiliations: Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, Cheonan 330-715, Republic of Korea
Published online on: February 11, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2014.1869
Pages: 1225-1228

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Abstract

Spontaneous regression of cancer is a partial or complete disappearance of malignant tumor without specific treatment. Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare condition, and the mechanism underlying it is unclear. This report presents a rare case of spontaneous complete regression of HCC, as revealed by tumor markers and imaging studies. A 64‑year‑old Korean male patient with hepatitis B virus‑associated chronic hepatitis presented with HCC. The patient had undergone right lobectomy of the liver but the cancer recurred with multiple lung and adrenal metastases after 14 months. The patient received palliative cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, there was no clinical benefit and the disease progressed. It was decided to discontinue anticancer therapy and administer only supportive care. After approximately six months, the symptoms disappeared and the HCC had completely regressed. The patient remains alive over five years after recurrence.

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