Spontaneous regression of a clival chordoma. Case report

In this case report, we present a rare and previously unreported case of spontaneous regression of a histologically consistent clival chordoma. At the time of diagnosis, imaging demonstrated a T2 hyperintense and T1 isointense midline skull base mass, centered in the nasopharynx, with scalloping of the ventral clivus consistent with a chordoma measuring 3.1 × 1.9 × 3.0 cm (8.84 cm³). On pre-operative imaging 2 months later, with no intervening therapy, the mass had regressed by 61.7% to a size of 2.3 × 2.1 × 1.4 cm (3.38 cm³). The patient self-administered several herbal supplements and animal oils which may have contributed to tumor regression. The purpose of this report is to document this rare occurrence and provide a comprehensive description of the case details and list of the various medications, herbs, and supplements used prior to this rare event.