Complete, Durable Remission of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma under Treatment with <b><i>Viscum album</i></b> Extracts: A Case Report

Abstract

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer deaths. Early-stage disease is treated with curative intent, but most patients present with advanced HCC, which carries a poor prognosis. <i>Viscum album</i> extracts (VAE) are used by cancer patients as an adjunct treatment or palliation. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> A 51-year-old female presented with relapsing multifocal HCC. She declined palliative treatment and commenced intravenous VAE treatment in conjunction with intravenous hepato-protective L-ornithine-L-aspartate (LOLA). She experienced a significant improvement of life-quality and performance status. After 3 months, a significant regression was noted on computerized tomography, and α-fetoprotein was in normal range. Imaging 11 months later confirmed a complete regression. The VAE and LOLA treatment continues to date. The patient had no other cancer-directed therapy. The regression is sustained for more than 5 years at publication, confirmed by regular imaging and serology. The patient is experiencing an unrestricted quality of life. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Complete regression of advanced HCC is rare. Responses of HCC to VAE treatment have been reported before. However, this is the first documented case with a complete and durable regression of an HCC under treatment with VAE. Further studies should evaluate VAE treatment in HCC, especially when administered in forms as reported here.