[Spontaneous tumor regression]

Abstract

Spontaneous remission of cancer is a rare but definitely observed phenomenon. Spontaneous remission is defined by partial or total disappearance of a proven malignant tumor, without adequate medical treatment. It has been estimated that it occurs no more than once in 60,000 to 100,000. The cause of phenomenon is multifold: immunologic, hormonal and psychological mechanism as well as elimination of carcinogen (action of oncogenes, growth factors, cytokines) and apoptosis are postulated. In gynecological malignancies, excluding chorionepithelioma and breast cancer, spontaneous remission is rare.