Spontaneous Regression Of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Nakayama S. (2012). spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Indian journal of gastroenterology : official journal of the Indian Society of Gastroenterology, 31(5), 267–270. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-012-0220-2
View Original Source →Abstract
A 92-year-old Japanese woman with moderate liver fibrosis, schistosomiasis and steatohepatitis-like lesion, was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by dynamic CT and elevated serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein and des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin. During follow up, the levels of tumor markers became normal without any treatment, and dynamic CT showed disappearance of the tumor and progression of hepatic steatosis. The mechanism of this spontaneous regression of HCC is unclear although massive necrosis due to rapid tumor growth or cancer immunity may have played a role.
Case Details
Disease Location
Liver
Personal Characteristics
92-year-old japanese woman with cryptogenic chronic liver disease for about 10 years. Schistosoma japonica infection
Clinical Characteristics
In april 2010, increased levels of AFP were found on routine follow up and contrast-enhanced CT showed a low-density area, approximately 10 mm in diameter, in the posterior part of the right hepatic lobe. In september 2010, at the age of 92, a dynamic CT showed enlargement of the lesion to approximately 20 mm in diameter and imaging features typical of hcc
Remission Characteristics
On follow up in july 2011, a sudden return of AFP to normal values. A dynamic CT in august 2011 showed complete disappearance of hcc and marked fatty change of the liver
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
Immune response
Clinical Treatment
Famotidine, magnesium oxide, furosemide, chlorpheniramine maleate and lactulose
Non-Clinical Treatment
Senna leaf and pod