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Spontaneous Regression Of Lung Metastases Of Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma

Grillet et al., 1984Lung cancer

Chest 85(2): Feb 1984; 289-291

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Abstract

Two patients with spontaneous regression of histologically confirmed lung metastases from a classic cribriform adenoid cystic carcinoma are presented. The first case was moribund when multiple small lung metastases were detected, but after a very strict diet, he presented progressive improvement in his general condition and regression of the metastases. In the second case, three large lung metastases and a subcutaneous metastasis regressed after several local recurrences of the primary tumor had been removed.

Case Details

Personal Characteristics

26-year-old man

Clinical Characteristics

Painful tumor, 1 centimeter in diameter, located in the left parotid gland; multiple small lung metastases; general exhaustion and loss of 8 kilograms of weight within 3 months

Remission Characteristics

Progressive improvement in his general condition and regression of the metastases; lung lesions did not change until 1975, when regression clearly started; since 1980, lesions are only barely visible

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Not discussed

Clinical Treatment

Locally resected; full parotid gland was removed in 1962, followed by radiotherapy; local resection and radiotherapy in 1967; local implantation of radioactive gold in 1969; open lung biopsy in 1972; seven implanted gold particles were removed in 1982

Non-Clinical Treatment

Strict diet free of fruit, potatoes, sugar, animal proteins and animal fats

Additional Notes

In the second case, three large lung metastases and a subcutaneous metastasis regressed after several local recurrences of the primary tumor had been removed.