[Post-chemotherapeutic X-ray follow-up of residual shadow of pulmonary metastasis from malignant trophoblastic tumor].

Among one hundred and eighteen cases of malignant trophoblastic tumor with pulmonary metastasis treated by chemotherapy, residual shadow on the X-ray films was seen in 18 (15%). Strict long follow-up observation of blood HCG and X-ray film indicated that the residual shadow spontaneously resorbed in 11 cases giving a survival of 3-5 years. The residual shadow showed no change in 1 case. Recurrence developed and repeated chemotherapy showed no response in 3. For the other 3, they were treated with lobectomy or local radiotherapy, 2 of whom survived for over 3 years and 1 died of mediastinal metastasis. The results suggest that the residual shadow can be resorbed with time in the majority of cases. Repeated Chemotherapy is undesirable.