Spontaneous regression in advanced non-small cell lung cancer
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This article describes a case involving a woman in her early 80s who developed life threatening squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The disease was too advanced so she did not receive any anticancer treatment. Upon followup it was discovered that the tumour had shrunk significantly and the doctors wondered if this was a rare case of “spontaneous regression” of cancer. The patient disclosed that she had been taking Essiac tea on a daily basis, but it was not proven that Essiac alone was responsible for reducing the tumour. The authors advise clinicians to be aware of anomalies when discussing prognosis with patients.
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Published:
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BMJ Case Reports 2010; doi: 10.1136/bcr.07.2010.3147
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Attribution:
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Adam Gladwish¹, Katy Clarke², Adrea Bezjak²; ¹University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ²Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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