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Regression Of Hypernephromas

Goodwin, W. E. 1968Kidney cancer

Journal of the American Medical Association 204(7): May 13 1968; 147

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Abstract

In genitourinary cancers, spontaneous regression has occurred in few instances and for reasons unknown. Although it cannot be denied that nephrectomy may have promoted regression of distant metastases in some cases, this is an unproved relationship and, in any event, an extremely rare sequence.

Case Details

Clinical Characteristics

Distant metastases of clear-cell carcinomas of the kidney have been known to regress or disappear

Remission Characteristics

Most reported regressions have been pulmonary metastases where the diagnosis was presumptive and where microscopic study of the pulmonary lesion was not available. In most cases, the regression occurred after removal of the primary lesion.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Many of the regressions have followed removal of the primary tumor, there is some suggestion that it may represent a response on the part of the body after removal of the primary mass. This could be on an immunologic basis or could represent hormonal control.

Clinical Treatment

Removal of the primary lesion

Additional Notes

The true incidence of regression of hypernephroma is unknown, but it is likely that it is considerably greater than is reported.