Regression of pulmonary and multiple skeletal metastases from renal cell carcinoma by nephrectomy and alpha-interferon therapy: a case report

Abstract

We report a rare case of advanced renal cell carcinoma in a patient who showed complete resolution of metastases to the lung and bones after nephrectomy, partial jejunectomy and subsequent alpha-interferon therapy. The patient was a 54-year-old man whose right lung and left femur metastases were detected before nephrectomy. In the seventh week after nephrectomy, a partial jejunectomy was carried out because of the obstructive ileus caused by intraluminal multiple metastases of the jejunum. A pathological fracture of the metastasized right humerus occurred subsequently. After four months of intramuscular alpha-interferon administration (3 x 10(6) units/day), however, x-rays revealed the complete disappearance of the metastatic lung shadow and a solid union of the humerus, and there were no tumor cells in the femur specimen resected at the subsequent reconstruction surgery of the left leg. Seven years have passed from onset, and the patient is still alive and disease free.