Spontaneous Regression In Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma: Case Report And Literature Review
BaniHani, M. N., & Al Manasra, A. R. (2009). spontaneous regression in alveolar soft part sarcoma: case report and literature review. World journal of surgical oncology, 7, 53. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7819-7-53
View Original Source →Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sarcomas are a type of malignant tumors that arise from connective tissue. They are most of the time found in extremities CASE PRESENTATION: We are presenting a case of adult male patient, who was found to have huge abdominal mass and multiple gastric and duodenal polyps. Pathological diagnosis for all lesions was Alveolar soft part sarcoma. Although he complained from metastasis to both lungs and right atrium, all these deposits regressed spontaneously. Patient stated that he used some herbs (Teucrium polium, Cat Thyme) prescribed for him. No chemotherapy or radiotherapy was given. The duration of regression was about 5 months before other lesions appeared. Later on, he died secondary to brain metastasis. CONCLUSION: ASPS is a rare type of sarcomas that affect primarily the lower limbs. This tumor does rarely metastasize to the gastrointestinal tract.
Case Details
Disease Location
Alveolar soft part sarcoma originating in abdomen
Personal Characteristics
38-year-old male medically-free
Clinical Characteristics
Hemoglobin level & leukocytic counts normal CT scan displayed large heterogenous mass 16x12x10 cm occupying left hypochondrial region with small metastatic right lung lesions CT guided fine needle aspiration (+) for malignancy 7 months after refusing surgical intervention CT scan displayed bilateral lung deposits 1 cm in diameter, large tumor in left atrium 2 cm, mass in abdomen remained same few months post-regression, metastatic brain lesions developed & patient died within 6 months
Remission Characteristics
CT scan revealed 60% reduction in tumor size after 5 mths at home disappearance of lung & heart lesions
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Unknown--> cytotoxic effects of herbs are ambiguous, so speculation is that regression was mediated by immunologic system of host
Clinical Treatment
Initially refused surgical intervention laparoscopic removal of mass after discovering reduction
Non-Clinical Treatment
Herbs (teucrium polium, cat thyme) for 5 months at home with tender care after CT scan displaying bilateral lung deposits