Pancreatic inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT)

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor: molecular landscape, targeted therapeutics, and remaining challenges

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare mesenchymal tumor of intermediate malignant potential that predominantly affects children, adolescents and young adults. IMT has a predilection for the lung, abdomen, pelvis, and retroperitoneum, however, can affect any part of the body. IMT is typically localized, and multifocal or metastatic disease is uncommon. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice when feasible. There is no established standard of care for unresectable and advanced IMT. Approximately half of IMTs harbor anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements, and fusions involving ROS1, PDGFRβ, RET and NTRK have also been described. Given the molecular landscape of IMT, management of these tumors has evolved to include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and novel targeted therapeutics. This review highlights the molecular characteristics, evolution of targeted therapies and the remaining challenges in the management of IMT.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the breast coexisting with breast cancer: a case report

BACKGROUND

The inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is an uncommon low-risk lesion with only a few cases described in the literature.

CASE REPORT

Here, we report a unique case of an IMT coexisting with breast cancer. Modified radical mastectomy was performed, followed by TAC chemotherapy (taxotere, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide). At the 2-year follow-up, the patient continues to be disease free.

CONCLUSION

At the preoperative stage, definitive diagnoses of masses are extremely difficult; surgery is advised only after the diagnosis is confirmed by pathological examination.

Complete remission of ALK-negative plasma cell granuloma (inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor) of the lung induced by celecoxib: A case report and review of the literature

We report a case in which a 52-year-old female developed a multifocal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) of the lung. The tumor did not overexpress the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) protein, indicating a lack of ALK rearrangement. The patient required two wedge resections in 15 months due to recurrent disease. Recurrence after the second surgery was treated with corticosteroids, which only led to a transient response (6 months). Introduction of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, induced a complete remission in the patient. Maintenance on celecoxib further led to a progression-free survival of 34 months. A literature review retrieved a total of eight case reports, comprising ten patients, of IMT of various anatomical sites successfully treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) therapy. Nine of the ten patients achieved durable complete remission. Remission occurred rapidly and persisted even after termination of NSAID therapy. Although such a successful outcome may only be achieved rarely, a trial of an NSAID should be considered in any patient in whom complete resection is not an option. Our case also demonstrates that NSAID therapy may be successful in a non-ALK rearranged tumor in which ALK inhibition is not an option.

Successful treatment of an unresectable inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the frontal bone using a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor and methotrexate

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a disease characterized by tumorous lesions consisting of myofibroblastic spindle cells and inflammatory cells that occur primarily in the soft tissues and viscera of children and young adults. Total excision is the most effective therapy. Steroids have been used to treat unresectable lesions with some success. We herein report a case of IMT involving the frontal bone accompanied by pachymeningitis. The tumor was characterized by an aggressive clinical course that was refractory to prednisolone. Performing total excision seemed difficult. Celecoxib and methotrexate were effective treatments. Our experience suggests the efficacy of celecoxib and methotrexate as alternatives for treating unresectable IMT.