Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma

A 72-year-old Caucasian woman suffered from histologically-proven advanced hepatic cancer, for which she received no treatment. She had been a regular drinker for a long time. Serologic markers for hepatitis B and C were negative. In spite of her poor prognosis, she remained in good clinical conditions and at 14 months of follow up the hepatocellular carcinoma could not be visualised any more radiologically. At that time the serum alpha foetoprotein concentration was normal. At present, 28 months after diagnosis, the patient is doing well and her tumour still appears to be in complete spontaneous remission.