Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Review of Reports in the Published English Literature. (31st March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chohan, Moaz B. Y.; Taylor, Nick; Coffin, Carla; Burak, Kelly W.; Bathe, Oliver F.
• Other Names: Machado Isidro Academic Editor.
• Is Part Of: Case reports in medicine. Volume 2019(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-03-31
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Case Reports; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1155/2019/9756758
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1687-9627

Abstract

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 μ g/L to 26 μ 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.