Spontaneous Regression Of Locally Advanced Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report
Ooi, K. H., Cheo, T., Soon, G. S. T., & Leong, C. N. (2018). Spontaneous regression of locally advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer: A case report. Medicine, 97(31), e11291. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000011291
View Original Source →Abstract
RATIONALE: Spontaneous regression of non-small cell lung cancer is exceptionally rare. PATIENT CONCERNS: Treatment-related toxicity. DIAGNOSES: We report a case of a patient diagnosed with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. INTERVENTIONS: The patient declined potentially curative treatment, and did not receive any anti-cancer treatment. OUTCOMES: He has survived more than two years since his initial diagnosis, maintaining his good performance status. Serial imaging with computed tomography scans showed tumour regression and near-complete resolution of his disease. LESSONS: Spontaneous regression of non-small cell lung cancer, by virtue of its scarcity, has not been well-studied and is poorly understood. Further studies are required, in order to clarify the mechanisms by which spontaneous regression occurs, and possibly identify new targets for cancer treatment.
Case Details
Disease Location
Lung, lymph nodes
Personal Characteristics
77-year-old man
Clinical Characteristics
Presented with intermittent right upper chest pain of a month’s duration. Chest x-ray showed a right middle zone lesion. CT scan of the thorax and liver revealed a 5.8 x 5.5 cm mass in the anterior segment of the upper lobe of the right lung, abutting the transverse fissure and infiltrating the lateral chest wall with erosion of the third rib. There was also a 2.0 x 1.7 cm enlarged right hilar node. Bronchoscopy with endobronchial ultrasound and transbronchial biopsies was performed. A tumor was seen arising from the anterior segment of the right upper lobe. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a poorly differentiated nonsmall cell lung cancer (nsclc) with marked nuclear pleomorphism. He opted to alter his diet, increasing his intake of fruit and vegetables, and to take up exercise.
Remission Characteristics
CT scan of the thorax and liver, done 24 months after diagnosis, shows a stable focus of soft tissue density at the site of the primary tumor, with associated scarring of the adjacent lung parenchyma and tethering of the adjacent pleura and sclerotic changes at the right anterior third rib
Treatment & Mechanisms
Proposed Remission Mechanisms
An invasive procedure, such as a biopsy of the tumor, may be a stimulus that serves to initiate the process of sr
Clinical Treatment
Biopsy
Non-Clinical Treatment
Increased intake of fruits and vegetables, and excersice