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Spontaneous regression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of case reports

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 November 2024

Kin Lun Lau Open the ORCID record for Kin Lun Lau [Opens in a new window]  and
Zarius Ferozepurwalla
Kin Lun Lau*
Affiliation:
Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
Zarius Ferozepurwalla
Affiliation:
Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
*
Corresponding author: Kin Lun Lau; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective

A systematic review of case reports in spontaneous regression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was carried out to investigate the pattern and characteristics of this phenomenon.

Methods

A systematic search of case studies of spontaneously regressed head and neck SCC was carried out in Ovid Embase, Ovid Medline and Pubmed. Methodological quality was assessed by ascertainment of diagnosis and overall details of reports. Outcomes included patient demographics, head and neck SCC characteristics and clinical course of disease.

Results

A total of 8 cases were included and 50 per cent (n = 4) of the reported cases were SCC of the vocal folds. All cases received a surgical biopsy and three cases had possible febrile episodes preceding regression. The mean length of time to regression was 4.3 months.

Discussion

Spontaneous regression in head and neck SCC is likely to be under-reported. A better understanding of how the host immune system can instigate an antitumour response will shed light on the development of novel treatments.

Keywords

head and neck neoplasmssquamous cell carcinoma of head and neckimmune system
Type
Review Article
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 138 , Issue 11 , November 2024 , pp. 1054 - 1060
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of J.L.O. (1984) LIMITED

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Footnotes

Kin Lun Lau takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

Presented at the North of England Otolaryngology Scientific Meeting 2023, 9th May 2023, Sheffield, UK

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