Complete, Durable Remission of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma under Treatment with <b><i>Viscum album</i></b> Extracts: A Case Report

Abstract

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths. Early stage disease is treated with curative intent, but most patients present with advanced HCC, which carries a poor prognosis. Viscum album extracts (VAE) are used by cancer patients as an adjunct treatment or palliation. CASE PRESENTATION A 51-year old female presented with relapsing multifocal HCC. She declined palliative treatment and commenced intravenous VAE treatment in conjunction with intravenous hepato-protective L-ornithine L-aspartate (LOLA). She experienced a significant improvement of life-quality and performance status. After 3 months a significant regression was noted on computerised tomography and α-fetoprotein was in normal range. Imaging 11 months later confirmed a complete regression. The VAE and LOLA treatment continues to date. The patient had no other cancer-directed therapy. The regression is sustained for 5 years at publication, confirmed by regular imaging and serology. The patient is experiencing an unrestricted quality of life. CONCLUSION Complete regression of advanced HCC is rare. Responses of HCC to VAE treatment have been reported before. However, this is the first documented case with a complete and durable regression of an HCC under treatment with VAE. Further studies should evaluate VAE treatment in HCC, especially when administered in forms as reported here.