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

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.