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Published on: February 12, 2017
Spontaneous regression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Adam Gladwish1, Katy Clarke, Andrea Bezjak
1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. adam.gladwish@utoronto.ca
BMJ Case Reports
|July 18, 2012
Summary
This case study highlights a rare instance of spontaneous regression in advanced lung cancer. An 84-year-old woman with stage IIIB squamous cell carcinoma experienced significant tumor shrinkage without treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Radiology
Background:
- Locally advanced lung cancer typically progresses without treatment.
- Squamous cell carcinoma is a common type of non-small cell lung cancer.
- Stage IIIB lung cancer indicates extensive local invasion or spread to lymph nodes.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old woman presented with stage IIIB (T2N3) squamous cell carcinoma in the left lower lobe.
- The patient's disease was deemed too advanced for curative treatment.
- No anticancer therapy was administered due to the lack of palliative symptoms.
Findings:
- Serial chest X-rays revealed spontaneous regression in tumor size.
- Restaging CT scan eight months post-biopsy showed complete resolution of mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.
- Significant regression of the primary lung tumor was observed.
- The patient remained clinically well throughout the observation period.
Implications:
- This case suggests the possibility of spontaneous tumor regression in advanced lung cancer.
- Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind such regressions.
- This phenomenon could offer new insights into potential immunotherapeutic targets or treatment strategies.
