Spontaneous regression of small cell lung cancer

Abstract

A 69-year-old woman underwent thoracic computed tomography (CT), which revealed a nodule in the superior segment of the right lower lobe. Transbronchial lung biopsy revealed small cell lung cancer. No metastasis was detected. However, one month later, repeat CT showed spontaneous regression of the tumor. We performed segmentectomy, which confirmed that the tumor was stage IA small cell lung cancer. The patient received adjuvant chemotherapy, with no recurrence for 27 months. Spontaneous regression of small cell lung cancer is very rare. Our treatment strategy may have contributed to a favorable prognosis.