Ontology highlight
ABSTRACT: Background
Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare event, although it has been described by numerous groups. The long-term fate of individuals experiencing an SR is not well described, and the underlying mechanism(s) of SR are unknown. Case Presentation: A 79-year-old Asian female with metastatic HCC taking only valsartan for hypertension had a marked reduction in tumor dimension in the primary tumor and the pulmonary metastases. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) decreased from 17,833??g/L to 26??g/L. Her disease progressed after 71?months, and she died shortly after. In a review of 66 patients with SR reported in the English literature, median survival was 83?months. Median survival in 37 cases that underwent resection after SR was 108?months.Conclusions
The case and a review of the literature illustrate that SR is often durable and associated with an excellent prognosis. Understanding the underlying mechanism of SR may point to novel therapeutic strategies.
SUBMITTER: Chohan MBY
PROVIDER: S-EPMC6462316 | biostudies-literature | 2019
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
Case reports in medicine 20190331
<h4>Background</h4>Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare event, although it has been described by numerous groups. The long-term fate of individuals experiencing an SR is not well described, and the underlying mechanism(s) of SR are unknown. <i>Case Presentation</i>: A 79-year-old Asian female with metastatic HCC taking only valsartan for hypertension had a marked reduction in tumor dimension in the primary tumor and the pulmonary metastases. Serum alpha-fetoprotein ...[more]