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

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A 58-year-old male with POLD1-mutated hepatocellular carcinoma developed paraplegia due to T11 vertebral metastasis.
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The patient underwent immunotherapy with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, achieving complete tumor response after three months.
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Following 28 months, the patient regained the ability to walk independently after electroacupuncture rehabilitation.
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Cytokine levels showed significant increases during treatment, suggesting a potential link between immune activation and neurological recovery.
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The case indicates that POLD1 mutation may enhance immunotherapy sensitivity in HCC, warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms.

Frontiers In Immunology

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

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