Spontaneous regression of pancreatic cancer

Summary Background: Spontaneous tumor regression has been the object of considerable interest and speculation for hundreds, if not thousands of years. It has been reported following a wide diversity of infec- tions. We describe a case of spontaneous pancreatic cancer regression and review the relevant literature. Case report: A 50-year-old male presented with a history of weight loss, anorexia and discomfort after meals. Oncology workup revealed pancreatic adenocarcinoma (T2N1M0, stage IIIb). A two- week regimen of radiotherapy combined with seven weeks of gemcitabine failed to alter the progress of the disease. However, a subsequent perforated duodenal ulcer was followed by severe peritonitis, fever, and tumor regression. Conclusions: A review of the literature uncovered only three previous cases of spontaneous pancreatic can- cer regression. The authors discuss the importance of the acute febrile immune response, which appears to be an underappreciated mediator of tumor regression.