Spontaneous Regression of Recurred Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Multiple Lung Metastases

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver malignancy. Spontaneous regression of HCC is extremely rare phenomenon and mechanism of regression remains obscure. 75-year-old woman previously diagnosed with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis was found to have single mass in liver with elevation of α-fetoprotein level to 10,320 ng/mL. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was performed. 27 months after TACE recurred HCC with multiple lung nodules were confirmed. The patient refused any therapeutic modality. The patient underwent follow-up without any anti-cancer treatment. 8 months after recurrence follow up computed tomography scan revealed spontaneous regression of HCC and completely disappeared lung nodules. The patient is currently doing well and without any evidence of recurrence. The causes of spontaneous regression of HCC are not well understood. Proposed mechanisms are ischemic injury, biological factors, herbal medicine, immunological variations. Further studies are necessary to improve our understanding of this rare phenomenon.