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A Case Of Spontaneous Regression Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Multiple Lung Metastases.

Kojima, H. 2006Liver cancer

Kojima, H., Tanigawa, N., Kariya, S., Komemushi, A., Shomura, Y., Sawada, S., Arai, E., & Yokota, Y. (2006). A case of spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma with multiple lung metastases. Radiation medicine, 24(2), 139–142. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02493281

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Abstract

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare phenomenon. We present herein the case of a patient with hepatocellular carcinoma with multiple lung metastases in whom malignancy spontaneously regressed after taking Pheliinus linteus Mycelium. A 79-year-old man consulted our hospital complaining of epigastric discomfort. Abdominal MRI and CT revealed a 3 cm diameter tumor in the liver, and chest CT showed numerous nodular lesions. The levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and protein induced by vitamin K deficiency or antagonist-II (PIVKA-II) were very high. We diagnosed HCC with multiple lung metastases, and no therapy was performed. Independently he took exact from Phellinus linteus Mycelium for one month, and 6 months later the tumors appeared to be in complete regression. The mechanism underlying this intriguing phenomenon remains unknown.

Case Details

Disease Location

Liver + lungs mets

Personal Characteristics

A 79-year-old man, chronic hepatitis c and liver cirrhosis

Clinical Characteristics

In 2000, hcc was detected in the s8 region, and percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (pmct) was performed. In 2002, hcc recurred in the same area, and pmct was performed in april 2002, followed by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (tace) in august 2002. The patient was subsequently followed up, and recur- rence was suspected in march 2003. Laboratory tests showed elevated AFP and pivka-ii. HCV positive. MRI showed that a 3 cm diameter tumor was present in the s8 region in the arterial phase, chest CT showed numerous well-defined nodules in both lung fields, thus suggesting multiple lung metastases. Based on the above findings, hcc with multiple lung metastases was diagnosed.

Remission Characteristics

Six months later, ab- dominal dynamic enhanced MRI indicated disappear- ance of the tumor in the s8 region and plain chest CT showed that the nodular lesions had disappeared. AFP and pivka-ii levels had decreased to normal values, as of 6 months later, as the primary lesion and lung metastases regressed.

Treatment & Mechanisms

Proposed Remission Mechanisms

Regression could have been attributable to the antitumor effects of p. Linteus.

Clinical Treatment

Pmct, tace

Non-Clinical Treatment

Phellinus linteus (p. Linteus) mycelium