Complete disappearance of recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma with peritoneal dissemination and splenic metastasis: A unique clinical course after surgery

Abstract

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare phenomenon. We report a case of complete disappearance of intrahepatic, peritoneal and splenic metastases in HCC after hepatectomy using treatment with tegafur and uracil (UFT). The effect of UFT alone was not likely to have caused the disappearance of this tumour because HCC recurrence advance markedly within 5 months of surgery despite oral administration of UFT. This case demonstrates a unique postoperative clinical course that suggests spontaneous regression of HCC. This is the first case of complete disappearance of unresectable HCC with peritoneal seeding and splenic metastasis.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Peritoneal Dissemination which was Regressed during Vitamin K2 and Vitamin E Administration

“…The case of recurrent HCC with peritoneal dissemination and splenic metastasis which disappeared after administration of UFT was reported (19). In the present case, TAE was repeatedly performed for primary HCC but the peritoneal dissemination was difficult to treat because of the poor clinical condition even though the peritoneal dissemination was detected before surgery.…”

Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma is most often associated with tumour hypoxia or a systemic inflammatory response

“…The remaining patients were labelled as having an ‘other or unknown’ mechanism 5,7–13,20,53–70 . Some possibilities suggested by the authors of reports in the unknown category included the use of herbal medications, smoking cessation, alcohol cessation, withdrawal of androgen therapy and administration of Vitamin K. However, most of the reports in this group did not have any mechanism of regression suggested.…”

Spontaneous regression of a large hepatocellular carcinoma: case report

“…Spontaneous resolution of HCC with distant metastasis to the lungs [ 7 ], chest wall [ 8 ], skull [ 9 ], peritoneum and spleen [ 10 ] has been reported. A case similar to ours was reported with a large right liver lobe and portal vein thrombosis, followed by subsequent tumor regression [ 11 ].…”