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What Can Trigger Spontaneous Regression of Breast Cancer?

Authors :
Nicoletta D’Alessandris
Angela Santoro
Damiano Arciuolo
Giuseppe Angelico
Michele Valente
Giulia Scaglione
Stefania Sfregola
Angela Carlino
Elena Navarra
Antonino Mulè
Gian Franco Zannoni
Source :
Diagnostics, Vol 13, Iss 7, p 1224 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2023.

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous regression of tumors is a rare phenomenon in which cancer volume is reduced or, alternatively, a tumor completely disappears in the absence of any pharmacological treatment. This phenomenon has previously been described in several tumors, such as neuroblastomas, testicular malignancies, renal cell carcinomas, melanomas, and lymphomas. Spontaneous remission has also been documented in breast cancer; however, it represents an extremely rare and poorly understood phenomenon, with only a few reported cases in the literature. Methods: We herein report two cases of breast cancer that showed spontaneous tumor regression in the surgical specimen after a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of invasive breast cancer in core needle biopsy samples. Results: Macroscopically, both the surgical samples revealed a whitish, fibrous area with a rubbery consistency. On histological examination, diffuse fibrous tissue, hemosiderin deposition, and chronic inflammation were observed. The first case showed the complete disappearance of the tumor, whereas the second case showed just a small (3 mm), residual nest of neoplastic cells. Conclusions: Although spontaneous regression of breast cancer is a rare event, it is important to know that it might happen. It is also of great importance to try to better explain, over time, its underlying mechanism. This knowledge could help us to further develop cancer prevention methods and predict the clinical course of these kinds of neoplasms.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20754418
Volume :
13
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Diagnostics
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5583b4306aa94d3b81d06fcd36f1f4b3
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics13071224