Spontaneous Regression Of A Metastatic Melanoma Pulmonary Deposit Following Biopsy
Behnia, F., Zare, M., & Elojeimy, S. (2018). Spontaneous regression of a metastatic melanoma pulmonary deposit following biopsy. Radiology case reports, 13(3), 580–582. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radcr.2018.02.012
View Original Source →Abstract
Spontaneous complete and partial regression of metastatic melanoma is poorly understood, and is a rare phenomenon with less than 80 cases reported since 1866. Several correlations have been noted such as systemic or local infections, operative trauma, hormonal influences, nutrition and immunologic factors. We present FDG PET and CT findings in a patient with multiple pulmonary metastases of melanoma, one of which underwent regression following biopsy. We suggest immune system modulation, triggered by biopsy, could have played a role, although the precise mechanism remains unknown.
Case Details
Disease Location
Lung
Personal Characteristics
55-year-old woman
Clinical Characteristics
Presented with night sweats, cough, and hemoptysis. Chest x-ray showed a well-defined round opacity in the left lower lobe. On CT scan of the chest, smaller cavitary lesions were seen. Biopsy of the left lower lobe nodule was positive for metastatic melanoma.
Remission Characteristics
43 days later, on PET-CT, the previously biopsied left lung nodule has decreased in size and showed very minimal fdg uptake
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Trauma from biopsy could have induced an inflammatory response and lead to subsequent regression of this lesion
Clinical Treatment
Biopsy, imalipumab