Idiopathic Regression Of Metastases From Renal Cell Carcinoma
Journal of Urology 118: Oct 1977; 538-542
View Original Source →Abstract
A case is reported of spontaneous regression of histologically documented metastatic renal carcinoma after nephrectomy, with excellent follow-up over six years. Review of all the available data suggests that the incidence of such regression is less than 1%. Approximately 60 cases of spontaneous regression of metastatic renal carcinoma have been reported.
Case Details
Personal Characteristics
M. S., a 49-year-old white woman
Clinical Characteristics
Paralysis on the right side, cough, loss of strength, appetite and weight, neck rigidity
Remission Characteristics
Total disappearance of the lung metastases, rejuvenated individual, strength, appetite and weight returned
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Not discussed
Clinical Treatment
Left nephrectomy, brain surgery, removal of lower lobe of the right lung, excision of metastases from the left foot and left lower buttock area, amputation of the left small toe
Additional Notes
The patient had never received x-ray therapy nor chemotherapy. The patient died of pneumococcal meningitis. An autopsy 21 years after the original nephrectomy showed only a small focus of clear-cell adenocarcinoma in the left lower lung. There were no other metastases. All metastases were identified clearly as being consistent with their origin as renal cell adenocarcinoma.