Tamoxifen-induced regression of pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma

A case is reported with pulmonary metastases from renal cell carcinoma, in whom response to tamoxifen was observed after 12 months of continuous therapy and complete response is still maintained after 26 months of therapy. A 67-year-old man presented in April 1979 with a two-week history of painful haematuria. A left renal arteriogram showed a highly vascular malignant tumour, involving the upper half of the left kidney. Biochemical profile and a chest radiograph were normal. He underwent left nephrectomy on 1.5.79. At operation the left kidney was adherent to the undersurface of the diaphragm, but there was no evidence of involved nodes or any macroscopical evidence of liver metastases. The tumour measured 8 cm in diameter and had invaded the left renal vein. Histology showed adenocarcinoma of the usual clear cell type. Postoperatively he received no radiotherapy.