Spontaneous Regression Of Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma With Adrenal Metastasis

Abstract

Over half of the reported cases of spontaneous regression of cancer reviewed by Everson and Cole developed in four tumor types, renal cell carcinoma, neuroblastoma, malignant melanoma, and choriocarcinoma. The circumstances and undoubtedly the mechanisms of regression differ. Clinical features of these tumor types are presented. The author has observed eight patients (1 with adenocarcinoma of the lung, 2 with malignant melanoma, 1 with multiple myeloma, 1 with liver metastases from colon carcinoma, 1 with myelomonocytic leukemia, 2 with renal cell carcinoma) who have experienced spontaneous regression of cancer. Brief case summaries are presented. Two additional cases considered to be spontaneous regressions, although we have not been directly involved in the management of these cases, have also been observed. One patient presented at a tumor conference had gastric carcinoma with hepatic metastases found at surgery. Without any additional therapy, the liver metastases resolved, documented by re-exploration a year later. The second patient, seen only in consultation, had chronic lymphocytic leukemia which underwent remission for a four-year period following a bout of pneumococcal pneumonia.