Spontaneous regression of metastatic renal cell carcinoma following palliative irradiation of the primary tumour.

A 58 years old man presented with a bulky renal primary tumour, paratracheal lymphadenopathy and multiple pulmonary metastases. Spontaneous regression of intrathoracic metastases occurred after low dose palliative irradiation of the primary tumour. Serum levels of Interleukin-2 receptor were elevated during the period of tumour regression but concentrations of other cytokines were normal. Progressive abdominal disease eventually caused death. Autopsy confirmed the presence of renal cell carcinoma with intrathoracic metastases.