Case Report: Tumor regression and neurological recovery in paraplegia from POLD1-mutated hepatocellular carcinoma treated with targeted immunotherapy and electroacupuncture - Scorecard - MDSpire

Case Report: Tumor regression and neurological recovery in paraplegia from POLD1-mutated hepatocellular carcinoma treated with targeted immunotherapy and electroacupuncture

  • By

  • Xionghao Pang

  • Xinyi Zhao

  • Jiajian Lin

  • Yansu Wang

  • Liang Xiao

  • Meixiang Li

  • Lin Dong

  • Yaoguang Xie

  • Lingzhi Jiang

  • Caiping Yang

  • Geng Tian

  • June 1, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Clinical Case Study: Tumor Shrinkage and Neurological Improvement in Paraplegic Patient with POLD1-Mutated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Following Targeted Immunotherapy and Electroacupuncture

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with bone metastasis and paraplegia
Key MechanismsImmunotherapy and electroacupuncture rehabilitation
Target PopulationPatients with advanced HCC and neurological deficits due to bone metastasis
Care SettingOncology and rehabilitation

Key Highlights

  • Complete response of tumor after immunotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab
  • Significant neurological recovery with electroacupuncture rehabilitation
  • Patient progressed from ASIA grade C to D paraplegia
  • Cytokine levels increased significantly during treatment and rehabilitation
  • POLD1 mutation may enhance sensitivity to immunotherapy despite low TMB and MSI-L

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Diagnosis of HCC confirmed through imaging and elevated alpha-fetoprotein levels

Management

  • Combination of immunotherapy (atezolizumab and bevacizumab) and electroacupuncture rehabilitation

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Regular assessment of tumor markers and imaging for treatment response

Risks

  • Potential for severe neurological deficits and complications from bone metastasis

Patient & Prescribing Data

58-year-old male with chronic hepatitis B and advanced HCC

Immunotherapy initiated after disease progression despite prior treatments

Clinical Best Practices

  • Consider immunotherapy for HCC patients with specific genetic mutations
  • Incorporate rehabilitation strategies like electroacupuncture for neurological recovery
  • Monitor cytokine levels as potential indicators of treatment response

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