Spontaneous Regression Of Cancer

Abstract

In an evaluation of cases of spontaneous regression of cancer published in the world medical literature since 1900 or obtained by personal communication to date, we have considered 176 cases to have adequate documentation, including histologic confirmation of the malignancy, to accept as probable examples of spontaneous regression of cancer. The 176 cases of probable spontaneous regression of cancer are tabulated according to type or location of tumors. Spontaneous regression of cancer was most commonly noted in hypernephroma, neuroblastoma, choriocarcinoma and malignant melanoma. Possible factors which may be responsible for spontaneous regression of cancer include endocrine influences, unusual sensitivity to usually inadequate therapy, fever and/or infection, allergic or immune reactions, interference with nutrition of the cancer, and removal of the carcinogenic agent. Fever and/or acute infection have frequently been suggested as of importance in cases of spontaneous regression of cancer. In the collected series of cases several of the cases of spontaneous regression of soft tissue sarcoma occurred following acute febrile episodes. Two of the cases of regression of cancer of the colon and one case of regression of malignant melanoma occurred after development of abscesses.