Abstract
IntroductionSpontaneous regression of cancer is defined as a complete or partial, temporary or permanent disappearance of tumor in the absence of specific therapy. With only a few cases reported, spontaneous regression is extremely rare in primary lung cancer. Regarding spontaneous regression in lung cancer, recent investigations revealed the role of immunological mechanisms, thus indicating potential treatment options by specific immunotherapy in the future.Case presentationA 76-year-old Caucasian man with progressive dyspnea presented to our hospital. A computed tomography scan revealed a tumor mass in the upper lobe of his right lung and enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes. A biopsy of a paratracheal lymph node by mediastinoscopy disclosed metastatic lung cancer. By immunohistochemical findings the tumor was classified as large cell carcinoma. Diagnosed with clinical stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer, a neoadjuvant therapy concept was indicated. However, before starting chemoradiation, a computed tomography scan showed a regression of both the tumor mass in the upper lobe of his right lung and the mediastinal lymphadenopathy. As a repeated computed tomography scan showed further regression, we agreed with our patient to perform routine follow-up instead of starting therapy. To date, no relapse has been reported.ConclusionsGiven the circumstances that regression started after the biopsy and involved both the tumor in the upper lobe of his right lung and the mediastinal lymph node metastases, an immune response is a reasonable explanation for the observed spontaneous regression in this case.
Highlights
Spontaneous regression of cancer is defined as a complete or partial, temporary or permanent disappearance of tumor in the absence of specific therapy
Given the circumstances that regression started after the biopsy and involved both the tumor in the upper lobe of his right lung and the mediastinal lymph node metastases, an immune response is a reasonable explanation for the observed spontaneous regression in this case
The concrete mechanisms of Spontaneous regression (SR) remain unknown, recent investigations revealed the role of immunological mechanisms involved in SR of lung cancer
Summary
Cells of a large cell carcinoma were proven by pathological findings in a mediastinal lymph node metastasis. Given the circumstances that the regression started after the biopsy and involved both the tumor in the upper lobe of his right lung and the mediastinal lymph node metastases, an immune response is a reasonable explanation for the observed SR in this case. Consent Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report and any accompanying images. Competing interests This study was not financed by any science foundation or support program. TP edited the manuscript as a major contributer. ES and CL edited the manuscript and were involved in caring for the patient. FB was involved in treatment during hospitalization and revising the manuscript for intellectual content.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
