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. 2018:42:55-59.
doi: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2017.11.056. Epub 2017 Dec 2.

Spontaneous regression of pancreatic cancer: A case report and literature review

Ken Min Chin  1 , Chung Yip Chan  2 , Ser Yee Lee  3
Affiliations

Spontaneous regression of pancreatic cancer: A case report and literature review

Ken Min Chin et al. Int J Surg Case Rep. 2018.

Abstract

Introduction: Spontaneous regression of cancer is defined as the partial or complete disappearance of malignant disease without treatment, or in the presence of therapy that is deemed inadequate to exert an influence on malignant disease, as composed by Tilden Everson and Warren Cole in the 1960s. It has been a topic of major interest in the field of medical and surgical oncology. It is poorly understood and scantily documented. Factors associated and postulated pathogeneses are at best, hypothetical.

Presentation of case: We report a case of spontaneous resolution of a head of pancreas carcinoma in a 77-year-old gentleman after a myocardial infarction event delayed planned surgery.

Discussion: A literature review of previously reported cases of spontaneous regression of pancreatic cancer was performed. The possible predisposing factors to spontaneous regression of pancreatic and other forms of malignancies was reviewed.

Conclusion: This is a novel case of spontaneous regression of pancreatic carcinoma after an episode of myocardial infarction. The pathophysiology to spontaneous resolution of cancer is not well understood, may be multifactorial and requires further study.

Keywords: Case report; Fever; Infection; Leukocytes; Pancreatic carcinoma; Spontaneous regression.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
A: Computer Tomographic scan (coronal plane) of the abdomen at time of diagnosis. B/C: Fig. 1B and 1C shows the venous and arterial phases of the Computer Tomographic scan (axial plane) of the abdomen at time of diagnosis respectively. White arrows demarcate the 4.0 × 4.4 cm ill-defined hypovascular mass in the pancreatic head.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A: Computer Tomographic scan (coronal plane) of the abdomen 4 months after time of diagnosis. B: Venous phase of Computer Tomographic scan (axial plane) of the abdomen 4 months after time of diagnosis. White arrow demarcates region of previously identified hypovascular pancreatic head mass. C: Position Emission Tomography scan with absence of any appreciable fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) avid focus in the pancreas.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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