Early tumor regression following severe lung injury after allogeneic stem cell transplantation in a patient with renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

We describe a 65-year-old man who had repeated lung injuries after reduced-intensity allogeneic stem cell tranplantation (RIST) for renal cell carcinoma. Severe pneumonitis developed twice at the time of neutrophil recovery and acute graft-versus-host disease. Both episodes were successfully treated with steroid pulse therapy. Metastases regressed after the first episode and were stable during these lung disorders, but he died of tumor progression 6 months after RIST. This case suggests that certain local inflammatory reactions may be associated with an anti-tumor effect. © 2007 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.