Cryoablation in Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors: A 10-Year Experience in Pediatric and Young Adult Patients

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in pediatric and young adult patients with desmoid tumors (DTs) retrospectively over a 10-year period.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-one patients (age 2-22 years; median 14 years), with 21 desmoid tumors, underwent a total of 34 percutaneous cryoablation procedures between August 2013 and August 2023. All patients, excluding two, had surgical resection, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies with failed or suboptimal response. Clinical and imaging outcomes were analyzed for technical success, change in tumor volume, and recurrence of tumor, symptom improvement or recurrence, and procedure-related complications.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful. The median follow-up duration was 9 months (range, 3-32 months); total symptomatic improvement was achieved in 90% (19/21) patients, noticeable pain relief was seen in 100% (18/18) and 90% (9/10) patients had improved range of motion (ROM), discomfort resolved in 66.7% (2/3) patients. Of the treated tumors, 43% (9/21) showed greater than 75% tumor volume reduction of which 44% (4/9) had no evidence of viable residual tumor at follow-up, and 33% (7/21) had 50-75% volume reduction and 14% (3/21) had greater than 40-50% tumor volume reduction. According to modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST), 71%( 15/21) had partial response (PR), 19% (4/21) had complete response (CR), and 10% (2/21) had stable disease. Four (12%) treatments were associated with minor complications, which self-resolved.

CONCLUSION

In this, predominantly pediatric patient cohort, cryoablation was effective and safe for the local control of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors in short-term follow-up.

Initial treatment for surgery-naïve desmoid tumors by high intensity focused ultrasound

Introduction

Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare proliferative disease occurring in connective tissues, characterized by high infiltration and recurrence rates. While surgery remains the primary treatment, its recurrence risk is high, and some extra-abdominal desmoid tumors are inoperable due to their locations. Despite attempts with radiotherapy and systemic therapy, the efficacy remains limited.

Methods

We used low-power cumulative high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy as an initial treatment for desmoid tumor patients either ineligible or unwilling for surgery. Low-power cumulative HIFU employs slower heat accumulation and diffusion, minimizing damage to surrounding tissues while enhancing efficacy.

Results

Fifty-seven non-FAP desmoid tumor patients, previously untreated surgically, underwent low-power cumulative HIFU therapy. Among them, 35 had abdominal wall DT, 20 had extra-abdominal DT, and 2 had intra- abdominal DT, with an 85% median ablation ratio. Abdominal wall DT patients showed significantly better response rates (91.4% vs. 86%) and disease control rates (100% vs. 32%) than that of non-abdominal wall DT patients. Median event- free survival time was not reached after a median follow-up duration of 34 months.

Discussion

With its high response rate, durable efficacy, and mild adverse effects, our findings suggest that low-power cumulative HIFU presents a promising novel treatment for desmoid tumors, particularly abdominal wall DT patients.

Active surveillance and emerging medical treatment options for desmoid: when and for whom?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This article discusses the evolving approaches to desmoid tumors management, shedding light on recent developments.

RECENT FINDINGS

Active surveillance has become the primary approach for managing primary peripheral desmoid tumors. This strategy was initially based on evidence from retrospective studies. Roughly 50% of cases managed with active surveillance show spontaneous stabilization or regression. Recent prospective trials conducted in Italy, The Netherlands, and France (2022-2023) confirm the efficacy of active surveillance, revealing 3-year progression-free survival rates ranging from 53.4 to 58%. For the patients under active surveillance, decisions regarding treatment are based on significant tumor growth or progressive symptoms. Moreover, three contemporary randomized trials investigated medical treatments for progressive or recurrent desmoid tumors. Sorafenib, pazopanib, and nirogacestat demonstrated clinical activity, as evidenced by favorable progression-free survival and objective response rates.

SUMMARY

Active surveillance has solidified its position as the primary management approach for desmoid tumors, validated by three robust prospective studies. Three recent randomized trials explored medical treatment for progressive or recurrent desmoid tumors, revealing promising clinical activities.

MR-guided focused ultrasound therapy of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors: a multicenter retrospective study of 105 patients

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment extra-abdominal desmoids.

METHODS

A total of 105 patients with desmoid fibromatosis (79 females, 26 males; 35 ± 14 years) were treated with MRgFUS between 2011 and 2021 in three centers. Total and viable tumors were evaluated per patient at last follow-up after treatment. Response and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed with (modified) response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (RECIST v.1.1 and mRECIST). Change in Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) pain and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) scores were compared. Treatment-related adverse events were recorded.

RESULTS

The median initial tumor volume was 114 mL (IQR 314 mL). After MRgFUS, median total and viable tumor volume decreased to 51 mL (95% CI: 30-71 mL, n = 101, p < 0.0001) and 29 mL (95% CI: 17-57 mL, n = 88, p < 0.0001), respectively, at last follow-up (median: 15 months, 95% CI: 11-20 months). Based on total tumor measurements (RECIST), 86% (95% CI: 75-93%) had at least stable disease or better at last follow-up, but 50% (95% CI: 38-62%) of remaining viable nodules (mRECIST) progressed within the tumor. Median PFS was reached at 17 and 13 months for total and viable tumors, respectively. NRS decreased from 6 (IQR 3) to 3 (IQR 4) (p < 0.001). SF-36 scores improved (physical health (41 (IQR 15) to 46 (IQR 12); p = 0.05, and mental health (49 (IQR 17) to 53 (IQR 9); p = 0.02)). Complications occurred in 36%, most commonly 1st/2nd degree skin burns.

CONCLUSION

MRgFUS reduced tumor volume, reduced pain, and improved quality of life in this series of 105 patients with extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT

Imaging-guided ablation is being increasingly used as an alternative to surgery, radiation, and medical therapy for the treatment of desmoid fibromatosis. MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound is an incisionless ablation technique that can be used to reduce tumor burden effectively and safely.

KEY POINTS

• Desmoid fibromatosis was treated with MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound in 105 patients. • MR-guided focused ultrasound ablation reduced tumor volume and pain and improved quality of life. • MR-guided focused ultrasound is a treatment option for patients with extra-abdominal desmoid tumors.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis: Current therapeutic strategies and future perspectives

Desmoid tumors (DT) are rare, slow-growing, locally invasive soft tissue tumors that often pose significant therapeutic challenges. Traditional management strategies including active surveillance, surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapy which are associated with varying recurrence rates and high morbidity. Given the challenging nature of DT and the modest outcomes associated with current treatment strategies, there has been a growing interest in the field of γ-secretase inhibitors as a result of its action on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this review article, we will shed the light on the pathogenesis and molecular biology of DT, discuss its symptoms and diagnosis, and provide a comprehensive review of the traditional therapeutic approaches. We will also delve into the mechanisms of action of γ-secretase inhibitors, its efficacy, and the existing preclinical and clinical data available to date on the use of these agents, as well as the potential challenges and future prospects in the treatment landscape of these tumors.

Current Treatment Concepts for Extra-Abdominal Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: A Narrative Review

Extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis (EADTF) is a rare neoplastic condition of monoclonal fibroblastic proliferation characterized by local aggressiveness with a distinct tendency to recur. Although EADTF is a benign disease entity, these tumors have a tendency to infiltrate surrounding normal tissues, making it difficult to completely eliminate them without adjacent healthy tissue injury. Surgical excision of these locally aggressive tumors without clear resection margins often leads to local recurrence. The aim of this thorough review was to assess the current treatment concepts for these rare tumors. A comprehensive search of articles published in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE (PubMed), and EMBASE databases between January 2008 and February 2023 was conducted. Surgical intervention is no longer the first-line approach for most cases; instead, strategies like active surveillance or systemic therapies are used as initial treatment options. With the exception of EADTFs situated near vital structures, a minimum of 6-12 months of active surveillance is currently advocated for, during which some disease progression may be considered acceptable. Non-surgical interventions such as radiation or cryoablation may be employed in certain patients to achieve local control. The currently preferred systemic treatment options include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, low-dose chemotherapy, and gamma-secretase inhibitors, while hormone therapy is not advised. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are utilized primarily for pain management.

Desmoid tumours (extra-abdominal), a surgeon's nightmare

Desmoid tumours are a rare fibroblastic proliferation of monoclonal origin, arising in deep soft-tissues. Histologically, they are characterized by locally aggressive behaviour and an inability to metastasize, and clinically by a heterogeneous and unpredictable course. Desmoid tumours can occur in any anatomical site, but commonly arise in the limbs. Despite their benign nature, they can be extremely disabling and sometimes life-threatening, causing severe pain and functional limitations. Their surgical management is complex and challenging, due to uncertainties surrounding the biological and clinical behaviour, rarity, and limited available literature. Resection has been the first-line approach for patients with a desmoid tumour but, during the last few decades, a shift towards a more conservative approach has occurred, with an initial 'wait and see' policy. Many medical and regional forms of treatment are also available for the management of this condition, and others have recently emerged with promising results. However, many areas of controversy remain, and further studies and global collaboration are needed to obtain prospective and randomized data, in order to develop an appropriate shared stepwise approach.

Case Report: Desmoid tumor response to magnetic resonance-guided high intensity focused ultrasound over 4 years

Desmoid tumors are a rare form of cancer, which show locally aggressive invasion of surrounding tissues and may occur anywhere in the body. Treatment options comprise conservative watch and wait strategies as tumors may show spontaneous regression as well as surgical resection, radiation therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), chemotherapy, or local thermoablative approaches for progressive disease. The latter comprises cryotherapy, radiofrequency, microwave ablation, or thermal ablation with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as the only entirely non-invasive option. This report presents a case where a desmoid tumor at the left dorsal humerus was 2 times surgically resected and, after recurrence, thermally ablated with HIFU under magnetic resonance image-guidance (MR-HIFU). In our report, we analyze tumor volume and/or pain score during standard of care (2 years) and after HIFU treatment over a 4-year follow-up period. Results showed MR-HIFU treatment led to complete tumor remission and pain response.

Clinical trials in desmoid-type fibromatosis in children and adults: A systematic review

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare locally aggressive soft tissue neoplasm, which occurs in children and adults, with a peak incidence in young adults. For the majority of the patients, DTF is a chronic and symptomatic disease, which affects health-related quality of life. Systemic treatment regimens tend to differ for patients treated by pediatric oncologists compared to medical oncologists. This systematic review identified 14 clinical trials in children and adults with DTF. Tumor response and progression-free survival rates varied widely between studies and study populations. Treatment choices for patients with DTF are based on a paucity of (randomized) trials. Treatment principles of DTF are similar in pediatric and adult oncology, but the treatment itself is different. This seems mostly driven by a lack of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) accessibility in pediatric oncology. An insufficient number of studies examined patient-reported outcomes, which are extremely important for patients with a chronic disease like DTF.

Percutaneous cryoablation for desmoid fibromatosis: initial experience at a UK centre

AIM

To report the first UK experience of cryoablation in desmoid fibromatosis (DF) with particular focus on technique, safety, and efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients were selected at multidisciplinary tumour board meetings at a specialist cancer hospital. Radiation dose, procedure duration, and number of cryoprobes were compared for small versus large tumours (>10 cm long axis). Response at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated using different criteria, and percentage agreement with clinical response as assessed in oncology clinic calculated.

RESULTS

Thirteen procedures were performed in 10 patients (eight women, median age 51 years, IQR 42-69 years) between February 2019 and August 2021. Procedures for large tumours had higher radiation dose (2,012 ± 1,012 versus 1,076 ± 519 mGy·cm, p=0.048) used more cryoprobes (13 ± 7 versus 4 ± 2, p=0.009), and were more likely to have residual unablated tumour (38 ± 37% versus 7.5 ± 10%, p=0.045). Adverse events were minor apart from one transient radial nerve palsy. Eight of 10 patients had symptomatic benefit at clinical follow-up (median 353 days, IQR 86-796 days), and three started systemic therapy mean 393 days later. All patients who had complete ablation demonstrated symptomatic response, with no instances of repeat treatment, recurrence, or need for systemic therapy during the study period. All progression occurred outside ablation zones.

CONCLUSION

Cryoablation for symptomatic DF is a reproducible technique with low, transient toxicity, where one or two treatments can achieve a meaningful response. Where possible, the ablation ice ball should fully cover DF tumours.

Desmoid tumors: who, when and how to treat?

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The objective of this article is to summarize new treatment strategies of desmoid tumors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Desmoid tumor has an unpredictable evolution that may spontaneously regress or stabilize. A shift toward an initial frontline active surveillance has been acknowledged by experts. Surveillance monitoring should be performed frequently after the diagnosis to avoid missing a significant progression and then spaced in case of stabilization. Treatment is based on significant tumor growth or symptoms. Recent guidelines recommend commencing medical treatment. Kinase inhibitors and cytotoxic agents are the two classes of drugs where studies included progressive desmoid tumors and should be selected to guide medical practice. In a randomized trial, 2 years progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in the sorafenib group (81 versus 36% in the placebo group). In another randomized phase 2, 6 months PFS was 83.7% with pazopanib versus 45% with methotrexate and vinblastine. In a retrospective study, including progressive desmoid tumors, methotrexate + vinca alkaloids achieved 75 months median PFS. Cryotherapy is an alternative option in desmoid tumors with compatible locations and tumor sizes. Following medical treatment or cryotherapy failure, superficial sites represent the best indications for surgery in cases of continuous progression. In the event of a contra-indication or failure of medical treatment, in locations where surgery would be mutilating and incomplete, radiotherapy is an effective option.

SUMMARY

Active surveillance with planned imaging has become the first-line management in desmoid tumor.

Evolving strategies for management of desmoid tumor

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare soft tissue mesenchymal neoplasms that may be associated with impairments, disfigurement, morbidity, and (rarely) mortality. DT disease course can be unpredictable. Most DTs are sporadic, harboring somatic mutations in the gene that encodes for β-catenin, whereas DTs occurring in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis have germline mutations in the APC gene, which encodes for a protein regulator of β-catenin. Pathology review by an expert soft tissue pathologist is critical in making a diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is preferred for most anatomic locations. Surgery, once the standard of care for initial treatment of DT, is associated with a significant risk of recurrence as well as avoidable morbidity because spontaneous regressions are known to occur without treatment. Consequently, active surveillance in conjunction with pain management is now recommended for most patients. Systemic medical treatment of DT has evolved beyond the use of hormone therapy, which is no longer routinely recommended. Current options for medical management include tyrosine kinase inhibitors as well as more conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy (e.g., anthracycline-based or methotrexate-based regimens). A newer class of agents, γ-secretase inhibitors, appears promising, including in patients who fail other therapies, but confirmation in Phase 3 trials is needed. In summary, DTs present challenges to physicians in diagnosis and prognosis, as well as in determining treatment initiation, type, duration, and sequence. Accordingly, evaluation by a multidisciplinary team with expertise in DT and patient-tailored management are essential. As management strategies continue to evolve, further studies will help clarify these issues and optimize outcomes for patients.

Desmoid tumors located in the abdomen or associated with adenomatous polyposis: French intergroup clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up (SNFGE, FFCD, GERCOR, UNICANCER, SFCD, SFED, SFRO, ACHBT, SFR)

INTRODUCTION

Desmoid tumor (DT) of the abdomen is a challenging and rare disease. The level of evidence available to document their treatment is relatively low, however, recent publications of prospective studies have allowed to precise their management.

METHODS

This document is a summary of the French intergroup guidelines realized by all French medical and surgical societies involved in the management of DT located in the abdomen or associated with adenomatous polyposis. Recommendations are graded in four categories (A, B, C and D), according to the level of evidence found in the literature until January 2021.

RESULTS

When the diagnosis of DT is suspected a percutaneous biopsy should be performed when possible. A molecular analysis looking for pathogenic mutations of the CTNNB1 and APC genes should be systematically performed. When a somatic pathogenic variant of the APC gene is present, an intestinal polyposis should be searched. Due to a high rate of spontaneous regression, non-complicated DT should first benefit from an active surveillance with MRI within 2 months after diagnosis to assess the dynamic of tumor growth. The treatment decision must be discussed in an expert center, favoring the less toxic treatments which can include broad spectrum tyrosine kinase inhibitor or conventional chemotherapy (methotrexate-vinblastine). Surgery, outside the context of emergency, should only be considered for favorable location in an expert center.

CONCLUSION

French guidelines for DT management were elaborated to help offering the best personalized therapeutic strategy in daily clinical practice as the DT therapeutic landscape is complexifying. Each individual case must be discussed within a multidisciplinary expert team.

Sporadic desmoid fibromatosis of the neck after dorsal spondylodesis of the cervical spine

Background:

Rare soft-tissue tumors, termed desmoid fibromatosis (DF), are comprised proliferated spindle cell fibroblasts and myofibroblasts embedded in a prominent collagenous stroma. They can occur either sporadically, due to prior trauma or surgery, or may have a genetic component. Clinically, DF has a high infiltrative growth/ local recurrence rate, but does not metastasize.

Case Description:

A 58-year-old male underwent a C5-C7 laminectomy/instrumented fusion. Two years later, he presented with a large gross swelling on the right side of the neck. The lesion was removed and proved to histologically consist of DF. Within the first postoperative 12 months, tumor did not recur.

Conclusion:

Sporadic DF may follow trauma or prior surgery. Symptomatic tumors are treated by surgical en bloc resection (preferably R0). If lesions are inoperable, partially resected, or recur, different hormonal/ chemotherapeutic systematic treatment options are available (e.g., tamoxifen or tyrosine kinase inhibitors). In the future, better molecular understanding of DF likely offers additional therapeutic approaches (e.g., immune checkpoint inhibitors).

Successful treatment with radiation therapy for desmoid-type fibromatosis with unilateral hydronephrosis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a rare disease that can result in hydronephrosis. Hydronephrosis associated with desmoid-type fibromatosis often requires surgery or ureteral stent insertion. Although radiation therapy is recommended for inoperable cases of desmoid-type fibromatosis, there has been no report of treatment for hydronephrosis associated with desmoid-type fibromatosis by radiation therapy alone. We herein report a case of successful treatment for inoperable recurrence of desmoid-type fibromatosis with unilateral hydronephrosis by radiation therapy alone.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 43-year-old Japanese female underwent resection of desmoid-type fibromatosis in the right inguinal region and combined resection of the right external iliac vein 5 years before. Other treatment was not performed because of her pregnancy. Four years after surgery, desmoid-type fibromatosis recurred in the right pelvic wall. Cyclooxygenase-2 selective inhibitor treatment was given for 1 year, but her desmoid-type fibromatosis enlarged to more than 10 cm, and she had swelling of her right leg and hydronephrosis of her right kidney. The patient received 50.4 Gy in 28 fractions of prophylactic irradiation using 10 MV X-ray and 9 Gy in five fractions of a sequential boost for the recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis. Although there was temporary tumor progression at 1 month after radiation therapy, slow regression of the tumor was seen. At 5 years after radiation therapy, there was no disease progression or severe complications.

CONCLUSION

We experienced successful treatment for an inoperable case of desmoid-type fibromatosis with hydronephrosis. Moderate-dose radiation therapy alone is an effective and feasible approach for the management of hydronephrosis associated with desmoid-type fibromatosis.

Primary intracranial aggressive fibromatosis arising in sella turcica: illustrative case

BACKGROUND

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare histologically benign but locally infiltrative myofibroblastic tumor. Primary intracranial aggressive fibromatosis (IAF) can exhibit a clinically malignant course.

OBSERVATIONS

A 22-year-old otherwise healthy woman presented with left painful ophthalmoplegia. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a left sellar tumor with cavernous sinus invasion. Endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed. The lesion could not be totally resected. An inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor was suspected, so steroid pulse therapy was introduced, but it was ineffective. The tumor recurred after a few months, and she complained of visual acuity loss, abducens nerve palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and panhypopituitarism. The lesion was diagnosed as primary IAF by a pathological review. Gamma Knife radiosurgery was performed, and chemotherapies were introduced but ineffective. Her consciousness was disturbed, and MRI showed hypothalamic invasion of the tumor, occlusion and stenosis of carotid arteries, and cerebral stroke. Palliative care was introduced, and she died 32 months after the onset. The autopsy revealed tumor invasion to the cavernous sinus, optic nerve, hypothalamus, pituitary, and tonsillar herniation due to massive cerebral stroke.

LESSONS

Radical resection can be impossible in patients with IAF. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are not always effective for residual lesions. Adjuvant therapy for IAF remains to be explored.

Acute Respiratory Failure With a Rare, Rapidly Progressing Pediatric Desmoid Tumor Anterior Mediastinal Mass

ABSTRACT

We present an unusual case of a 6-year-old boy who presented with the sudden presence of left neck mass and acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, whose subsequent imaging demonstrated a previously undiagnosed anterior mediastinal mass (AMM) extending into the left neck. Biopsy of the mass was consistent with a desmoid tumor, which is a rare cause of AMM in children. Desmoid tumors are locally aggressive, often invading and enveloping surrounding tissues, but overall slow growing. The sudden growth of the neck mass suggests a very aggressive desmoid tumor, causing an unexpected respiratory compromise. Anterior mediastinal masses may cause symptoms by compressing the heart, great vessels, and airways. However, the patient may adapt and develop compensatory mechanisms to counter the compressive effects. Emergency care of the patient with an AMM who presents with acute respiratory distress includes optimizing oxygenation through promoting a calm environment, oxygenating while minimizing positive end-expiratory pressure, maintaining the patient's compensatory mechanisms by minimizing sedation and muscle relaxation, positioning the patient to minimize compressive effects of the mass on the vital thorax structures, and early consultation with pediatric specialists to develop a shared-emergency treatment strategy and to secure an expedited disposition to the appropriate venue of care.

Desmoid fibromatosis: is the current picture changing?

Desmoid fibromatosis is a locally aggressive tumor with an unpredictable clinical course. Surgery was once the mainstay of treatment, but the treatment protocol has been constantly evolving and currently active surveillance is the front-line approach. There have been significant insights into the molecular biology with the addition of mutational analysis of CTNNB1 adding to prognostic information. We present a review of the literature with current practice guidelines, also including novel therapeutic targets and ongoing clinical trials, to unravel the next step in the management of sporadic desmoid fibromatosis.

The Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life Issues Experienced by Patients with Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis (The QUALIFIED Study)-A Protocol for an International Cohort Study

Sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare soft tissue tumour with an unpredictable clinical course. These tumours are incapable of metastasising, but their local aggressive tumour growth and tendency to recur locally can result in a substantial symptom burden. Measuring the impact of DTF on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) can be challenging due to the variable clinical presentation of the disease. Therefore, a HRQoL instrument assessing DTF-specific issues is needed. The QUALIFIED study aims to (1) pre-test a previously developed DTF-specific HRQoL tool (the DTF-QoL); (2) evaluate prevalence of HRQoL issues in adult DTF patients; and (3) identify subgroups at risk of impaired HRQoL. This study (NCT04289077) is an international, multicentre, cross-sectional, observational cohort study. Patients ≥ 18 years with sporadic DTF from the Netherlands and the United Kingdom will be invited to complete a set of questionnaires specifically composed for this patient group. Questionnaires will be completed using PROFILES (Patient Reported Outcomes Following Initial treatment and Long-term Evaluation of Survivorship). Analyses will include testing the psychometric properties of the DTF-QoL and evaluating the prevalence of HRQoL issues using the DTF-QoL, EORTC QOL-C30 and EQ-5D-5L, among other questionnaires. This study will provide insight into HRQoL issues experienced by patients with DTF. Awareness of these issues and the implementation of the DTF-QoL in research and clinical practice can help to improve overall HRQoL and to provide personalised care.

Undervaluation of Radiotherapy for Gross Desmoid Tumors: The Need for Absolute Volume Assessment

BACKGROUND/AIM

To compare absolute volume (AV) assessment according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) for the response evaluation of desmoid tumors (DTs) treated with radiotherapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighteen patients with DTs ≥3 cm in size were included.

RESULTS

The median follow-up duration was 78.0 months. Five patients achieved a complete response according to RECIST, seven reached a partial response (PR), and one eventually exhibited progression. The overall response rate was 61%, the median time to PR was 8.0 months. Six patients achieved stable disease, although three developed progressions. Of the six patients with a PR, the median change in maximum diameter was -46%, and the median change in maximum volume was -84%. Three patients could have been diagnosed with progression at least 6 months earlier if the AV increment was considered.

CONCLUSION

An AV assessment is essential for an accurate response assessment of DTs and radiotherapy seems feasible as a first-line treatment for DTs.

Surgical management of soft tissue tumors of the abdominal wall: A retrospective study in a high-volume sarcoma center

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to evaluate functional and oncological outcomes of patients undergoing abdominal wall soft tissue tumors (AWSTT) surgery.

METHODS

All consecutive patients that underwent surgery for malignant and intermediate AWSTT from 1999 to 2019 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Ninety-two patients were identified, 20 (22%) operated on for a desmoid tumor and 72 (78%) for a soft tissue sarcoma (STS). Fifty-two patients (57%) had in toto resection of the abdominal wall (from the skin to the peritoneum) and 9 (10%) required simultaneous visceral resection. The closure was direct in 28 patients (30%) and requiring a mesh, a flap or a combination of the two in respectively 42, 16, and 6 patients (47%, 17%, 6%). The postoperative complications rate was 26%. Thirteen patients (14%) developed an incisional hernia after a median delay of 27 months. After a median follow-up of 40 months, out of the 72 patients operated on for STS, 7 (10%) developed local recurrence and 11 (15%) distant recurrence. The median recurrence-free and overall survivals were 61 and 116, months respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Management of AWSTT requires extensive surgery but allows good local control with an acceptable rate of incisional hernia.

A Single-Center 10-Year Retrospective Analysis of Cryoablation for the Management of Desmoid Tumors

PURPOSE

To determine the efficacy and safety of cryoablation in patients with desmoid tumors (DTs) retrospectively over a 10-year period at a single institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between February 25, 2010, and February 25, 2020, 25 patients (age, 12-80 years) with 26 lesions (mean preprocedural tumor volume was 237 cm³) were treated over 44 cryoablation procedures. Eleven patients were treated with first-line therapy. Fourteen patients had previous medical therapy, radiotherapy, and/or surgery. Subsequent clinical follow-up, imaging outcomes, and safety were analyzed for technical success, change in total lesion volume (TLV) and viable tumor volume (VTV), modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST), progression-free survival (PFS) for tumor progression and symptom recurrence, symptom improvement, and procedure-related complications. Symptomatic improvement was defined as documentation of relief of pain (partial or complete) and/or functional impairment.

RESULTS

All procedures were technically successful. At 7-12 months, median changes in TLV and VTV were -6.7% (P = .809) and -43.7% (P = .01), respectively. At 10-12 months, the mRECIST responses were complete response, 0%; partial response, 61.5% (8/13); stable disease, 30.8% (4/13); and progressive disease, 7.7% (1/13). The median PFS for tumor progression and symptom recurrence were not reached, with a median follow-up of 15.3 and 21.0 months, respectively. Symptomatic relief (partial or complete) was achieved in 96.9% (32/33) of patients. One major complication was noted (2.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospectively identified cohort, cryoablation was effective and safe for the local control of extra-abdominal DTs in short-term follow-up.

The Role of Radiation Therapy for Symptomatic Desmoid Tumors

OPINION STATEMENT

Desmoid tumors have a variable clinical course that ranges from indolence or spontaneous regression to an aggressive pattern marked by local invasion. Up to half may remain stable or regress; watchful waiting is the preferred approach in the initial management of desmoid tumors. Symptomatic or progressive tumors or those that may affect adjacent critical structures require surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic therapy. Although radiotherapy effectively controls desmoid tumors in most cases, concerns regarding late toxicity exist. Definitive radiotherapy for macroscopic disease is indicated when a non-morbid complete surgical resection cannot be accomplished and provides similar control rates to surgery plus radiotherapy but avoids toxicity from combined-modality treatment (surgery and radiotherapy). Adjuvant radiotherapy can be considered for microscopically involved margins, particularly for recurrent cases or when a future recurrence may be challenging to treat. Large size, extremity site, and younger age are poor prognostic factors after radiotherapy. In the extremity, radiotherapy may have superior outcomes to surgery. Younger patients, especially children, are challenging to manage as they are at particular risk for late toxicity due to the number of potential years at risk. For patients under 20 years old, for whom a non-morbid complete resection is not possible, we recommend systemic therapy as the first line of treatment. Although the long-term efficacy of systemic therapy is unproven, this strategy allows additional time for growth and development prior to radiotherapy. In younger patients and those with axial desmoid tumors adjacent to critical organs, consideration should be given to using proton therapy as the dosimetric advantages may mitigate some of the toxicity associated with conventional radiotherapy.

Breast Sarcomas, Phyllodes Tumors, and Desmoid Tumors: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Staging, and Histology-Specific Management Considerations

Breast sarcomas arise from connective tissues of the breast and account for fewer than 1% of all breast malignancies. They can be subclassified as primary breast sarcomas, which arise de novo and are histologically diverse, and secondary breast sarcomas, which arise as a result of radiation or lymphedema and are most commonly angiosarcomas. Two other connective tissue neoplasms that occur within the breast include phyllodes tumors and desmoid tumors, which exhibit a spectrum of behaviors. Malignant phyllodes tumors are biologically similar to primary breast sarcomas, whereas desmoid tumors are technically benign but often locally aggressive. Patients with breast sarcomas often present with a rapidly growing mass or, in cases of radiation-associated angiosarcoma, violaceous cutaneous lesions. Core needle biopsy is generally required to confirm the diagnosis of sarcomas. Staging workup includes MRI and chest imaging, although these are not required in the case of benign phyllodes or desmoid tumors. In general, localized breast sarcomas should be resected, with the extent of resection tailored to histologic subtype. Radiation and chemotherapy can be used in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, but data are limited, so treatment decisions should be made on an individualized basis. Systemic therapy options for metastatic disease and refractory breast desmoids mimic those used for the same histologies when present in other sites. Given the rarity and heterogeneity of breast sarcoma, as well as limited literature describing these entities, expert multidisciplinary evaluation is crucial for optimal decision making.

Long-term follow up of a patient with a recurrent desmoid tumor that was successfully treated with proton beam therapy: A case report and literature review

Desmoid tumors are benign, but may have a locally invasive tendency that commonly results in local recurrence. Most occur on the body trunk or extremities, whereas a head and neck desmoid tumor is relatively rare. The efficacy of radiotherapy has been suggested and 50-60 Gy is used for unresectable or recurrent desmoid tumors, but there are few reports of use of particle beam therapy. However, since this tumor occurs more often in younger patients compared to malignant tumors and the prognosis is favorable, there may be an advantage of this therapy. We treated a male patient with a head and neck recurrent desmoid tumor with proton beam therapy (PBT) at a dose of 60 Gy (RBE). This patient underwent surgical resection as initial treatment, but the tumor recurred only six months after surgery, and resection was performed again. After PBT, the tumor gradually shrank and complete remission has been achieved for 10 years without any severe late toxicity. Here, we report the details of this case, with a review of the literature. We suggest that PBT may reduce the incidence of second malignant tumors by reducing the dose exposure around the planning target volume.

Giant desmoid tumour of abdominal wall: resection and reconstruction by posterior component separation

Management of large abdominal wall desmoid tumours is complicated due to the unpredictable behaviour of desmoids and the need for laborious reconstruction of the abdominal wall after wide local excision. A multidisciplinary team approach, including surgeons, oncologists and plastic surgeons, is necessary for proper management. This case highlights the diagnostic and surgical challenges related to the reconstruction of abdominal wall defect, after radical excision of a 30×30×25 cm desmoid tumour, originating from left rectus muscle. The defect was closed successfully by a perspicuous technique of posterior component separation. The awareness of this straightforward technique will allow the surgeons to do these radical procedures with confidence and without any consternation of complex reconstructive procedures.

Radiation treatment for adult rare cancers: Oldest and newest indication

AIM

Aim of this analysis is to review the role of RT in the management of several rare tumors for adult patients.

METHODS

Collection data regarding RT and rare tumors was made by Pubmed.

RESULTS

For mucosal melanomas, RT is prescribed, being associated with lower local recurrence rate. For trachea tumors, RT was used as adjuvant or salvage treatment for unresectable disease. For pNET, RT can be a suitable option for post-surgical or unresectable/borderline. For bronchopulmonary neuroendocrine tumors the role of adjuvant treatments is uncertain. For hepatobiliary and ovarian malignancy, stereotactic body RT (SBRT) is a promising approach. For soft tissue sarcoma, perioperative treatments are indicated, and a growing role of SBRT in oligometastatic disease is recognized. For endocrine tumors, adjuvant RT has demonstrated benefits through reducing recurrence risk.

CONCLUSION

The radiotherapy is a frequent indication in adult rare cancers; thus the role of Radiation Oncologist must not be neglected.

Efficacy and safety of apatinib for patients with advanced extremity desmoid fibromatosis: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is a locally aggressive connective-tissue tumor arising in deep soft tissues. Although multiple therapeutic modalities have been demonstrated effective for DF, there is no standard systemic treatment for progressive and recurrent DF. As a part of systemic treatment, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown promising activity against DF with tolerable toxicity profiles. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of apatinib, a novel multi-target angiogenesis inhibitor, in patients with DF.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of patients with advanced extremity DF regularly treated with apatinib between October 2017 and January 2020 in our center. Apatinib was initially administered with a dose of 250 mg daily and the dose was adjusted according to the toxicity. Tumor response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); objective response rates and drug-related adverse events were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 22 (6 male, 16 female) patients with advanced extremity DF were included. The mean medication time was 17 months. None of the patients reached a complete response, but ten (45.5%) patients achieved partial response, and 11 patients (50%) achieved stable disease. One (4.5%) patient developed progressive disease, and the 1-year PFS rate was 95.2%. The disease control rate was 95.4% (21/22) and the objective response rate was 45.5% (10/22). Meanwhile, 18 (81.8%) patients with a tumor shrinkage were accompanied by a decreased signal intensity of lesions in T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. The most frequent adverse events included hand-foot syndrome (n = 7, 31.8%), fatigue (n = 6, 27.2%), local pain (n = 4, 18.1%), diarrhea (n = 4, 18.1%).

CONCLUSION

Apatinib is an effective and well-tolerated option for patients with advanced extremity DF. Indeed, further prospective, randomized studies with larger cases are required to fully explore the clinical utility of apatinib in DF.

The Landmark Series: Desmoid

Desmoid-type fibromatosis represents a challenge in the landscape of surgical oncology, for several reasons. The tumors can be infiltrative and locally aggressive, surgery may be morbid, and patients are usually young, and thus treatment sequelae must be managed for decades. Desmoids do not have metastatic potential, therefore management strategies for desmoids have evolved to employ frontline treatments that are largely non-operative. In fact, with unpredictable and benign behavior, we now recognize that desmoids can also stabilize and regress, making active observation an option for many patients. Moreover, many medical therapies are active in the disease. We reviewed landmark studies describing contemporary issues that affect treatment recommendations for desmoid patients: prognostic factors, indication to active surveillance, role of surgical margins, postoperative radiotherapy, and the most recent expert consensus papers.

Desmoid Tumors Characteristics, Clinical Management, Active Surveillance, and Description of Our FAP Case Series

(1) Background: desmoid tumors (DTs) are common in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). An active surveillance approach has been recently proposed as a valuable alternative to immediate treatment in some patients. However, no clear indication exists on which patients are suitable for active surveillance, how to establish the cut-off for an active treatment, and which imaging technique or predictive factors should be used during the surveillance period. (2) Results: we retrospectively analyzed 13 FAP patients with DTs. A surveillance protocol consisting of scheduled follow-up evaluations depending on tumor location and tissue thickening, abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan/Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allowed prompt intervention in 3/11 aggressive intra-abdominal DTs, while sparing further interventions in the remaining cases, despite worrisome features detected in three patients. Moreover, we identified a possible predictive marker of tumor aggressiveness, i.e., the "average monthly growth rate" (AMGR), which could distinguish patients with very aggressive/life-threatening tumor behavior (AMGR > 0.5) who need immediate active treatment, from those with stable DTs (AMGR < 0.1) in whom follow-up assessments could be delayed. (3) Conclusion: surveillance protocols may be a useful approach for DTs. Further studies on larger series are needed to confirm the usefulness of periodic CT scan/MRI and the value of AMGR as a prognostic tool to guide treatment strategies.

The Activity and Safety of Anlotinib for Patients with Extremity Desmoid Fibromatosis: A Retrospective Study in a Single Institution

Purpose

Desmoid fibromatosis (DF) is an aggressive fibroblastic neoplasm with a high propensity for local recurrence. Although multiple therapeutic modalities seem effective for DF, the standard systemic treatment for symptomatic and progressive DF remains controversial. As targeted therapy, tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been recently reported to contribute to the treatment of DF. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of anlotinib, a novel multi-kinase angiogenesis inhibitor, in patients with DF.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively collected the clinical medical records of patients with extremity DF who received anlotinib between January 2019 and January 2020 in our center. Anlotinib was started with a dose of 8 mg daily and adjusted according to the drug-related toxicity. Tumor response was assessed by the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) was identified as the primary endpoint and analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method.

Results

In total, 21 (6 male, 15 female) consecutive patients with DF were enrolled. The median medication time was nine months (Q1, Q3: 7.5, 10.5). None of the patients achieved a complete response, but eight (38.1%) patients achieved a partial response and ten patients (47.6%) achieved disease stability. Three (14%) patients developed progressive disease and the 3-, 6-, and 12-month PFS rates were 95.2%, 90.5%, and 84.0%, respectively. The disease control rate was 86.0% (18/21) and the objective response rate was 38.1% (8/21). Moreover, 15/21 (71.4%) patients achieved a reduction in tumor size, accompanied with a decrease in T2-weighted signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging and clinical benefit.

Conclusion

Anlotinib was effective against DF with an acceptable safety profile, and significantly slowed the disease progression. Further, multicenter studies with a longer follow-up time are needed to characterize fully the clinical application of anlotinib in DF.

Recent Advances in Desmoid Tumor Therapy

The desmoid tumor is a locally aggressive proliferative disease within the family of soft-tissue sarcomas. Despite its relatively good prognosis, the clinical management of desmoid tumors requires constant multidisciplinary evaluation due to its highly variable clinical behavior. Recently, active surveillance has being regarded as the appropriate strategy at diagnosis, as indolent persistence or spontaneous regressions are not uncommon. Here, we review the most recent advances in desmoid tumor therapy, including low-dose chemotherapy and treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. We also explore the recent improvements in our knowledge of the molecular biology of this disease, which are leading to clinical trials with targeted agents.

Intra-abdominal desmoid tumor after laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal cancer: A case report

Desmoid tumors are monoclonal fibroblastic proliferations arising from soft tissue classified as intra-abdominal, extra-abdominal and abdominal wall types. We present a patient with an intra-abdominal desmoid tumor diagnosed 20 months after laparoscopic resection of rectal cancer. A 70-year-old woman with hematochezia was diagnosed with advanced rectal cancer. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy followed by laparoscopic low anterior resection was performed. During follow-up, a nodular soft-tissue density measuring 28 mm was detected in the presacral region. Metastasis from rectal cancer was diagnosed and four courses of chemotherapy were given, including capecitabine, oxaliplatin and bevacizumab. Computed tomography scan showed that the mass slightly decreased in size and surgical resection was performed. Histopathological examination revealed a proliferation of spindle-shaped cells and collagenous stroma diagnosed as a desmoid tumor. This report highlights the possibility of a desmoid tumor in the differential diagnosis of an intra-abdominal mass found during follow-up after resection of colorectal cancer including following laparoscopic resection.

Radiotherapy in the treatment of aggressive fibromatosis: experience from a single institution

Background

Desmoid-type fibromatosis is a rare, potentially locally aggressive disease. Herein we present our experience in the treatment with radiotherapy.

Methods and materials

In total 40 patients who received 44 treatments from 2009 to 2018 at the Heidelberg University Hospital with photons (N = 28) as well as protons (N = 15) and carbon ions (N = 1) were investigated. The median age at radiotherapy was 41 years [range 8–78]. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) was confirmed for nine patients and 30 had a unifocal desmoid tumor. The localizations were abdominal wall, abdominopelvic cavity, thoracic wall, extremity, head and neck and trunk. The median prescribed dose was 54 Gy/ Gy (RBE) [range 39.6–66, IQR 50–60]. Eleven treatments were performed at the time of first diagnosis; 33 at the time of progression or recurrence. Post-operative radiotherapy was performed in 17 cases. The median planning target volume was 967 ml [84–4364 ml, IQR 447–1988]. Survival analysis was performed by the Kaplan-Meier Method.

Results

The median follow-up time was 32 months [1–153]. At the end of the follow-up interval all patients but one were alive. The estimated local progression free survival of the treated lesion in 3 and 5 years was 76.4% and 63,8%, respectively. The progression-free survival in 3 and 5 years was 72.3 and 58.4% and the overall survival was 97.4 and 97.4%, respectively. In case of macroscopic tumor (N = 31) before radiotherapy a partial remission was observed in 12 cases (38.7%) and a complete remission in 4 cases (12.9%). Progression was observed in 13 (29.5%) cases, predominantly at the margin of the planning target volume (PTV, N = 5, 38,4%) followed by progression within the PTV (N = 4, 30.8%). In univariate analysis multifocal localization was associated with impaired progression-free survival (p = 0.013). One patient developed a grade V gastrointestinal bleeding, otherwise no acute toxicity >°III was observed. Late toxicity was depending on the localization of the desmoid tumor and was especially severe in patients with FAP and abdominopelvine desmoids including gastrointesinal fistula, perforation and abscess.

Conclusion

Radiotherapy in the treatment of desmoids can lead to long term control. Treatment of patients with abdominopelvine desmoids should be avoided, as the risk of higher-grade complications is substantial.

Soft-tissue sarcoma in adults: An update on the current state of histiotype-specific management in an era of personalized medicine

Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumors that account for 1% of all adult malignancies, with over 100 different histologic subtypes occurring predominately in the trunk, extremity, and retroperitoneum. This low incidence is further complicated by their variable presentation, behavior, and long-term outcomes, which emphasize the importance of centralized care in specialized centers with a multidisciplinary team approach. In the last decade, there has been an effort to improve the quality of care for patients with STS based on anatomic site and histology, and multiple ongoing clinical trials are focusing on tailoring therapy to histologic subtype. This report summarizes the latest evidence guiding the histiotype-specific management of extremity/truncal and retroperitoneal STS with regard to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Desmoid tumours in the surveillance era: What are the remaining indications for surgery?

The treatment of desmoid tumours (DTs) has greatly evolved in recent years, and surgery is no longer considered a first-line treatment. Percutaneous biopsy with molecular analysis for beta-catenin or APC gene mutation provides a certain diagnosis. After imaging, a specialized multidisciplinary tumour board (MDT) addresses the following therapeutic strategy. As more than half of patients stabilize or regress, despite initial progression, active surveillance is offered to most patients as the first option. Surgery is proposed for complications such as perforation and occlusion, which sometimes are the first manifestations of the disease. In these cases, limiting surgery to the treatment of complications and leaving the tumour in place is possible if significant bowel sacrifice is needed, especially in patients with previous colectomy for polyposis. Medical therapy is discussed by the MDT in cases of functional or life-threatening masses and is preferred to local treatments that could be mutilating and often incomplete. First-line surgery is now contraindicated in cases of incomplete unplanned surgery, recurrence, pregnancy or DTs occurring in familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). The best indications of second-line surgery are significantly progressing disease when morbidity is acceptable, such as parietal locations. Medical and other locoregional treatments (radiotherapy, isolated limb perfusion and cryotherapy) should be considered by the MTB when surgery might cause sequelae.

Definitive radiation therapy in patients with unresectable desmoid tumors: a systematic review

Background

Desmoid tumors are rare soft tissue tumors. Wide local excision has been the standard surgical treatment for desmoid tumors. However, this procedure results in high local recurrence rates, so non-surgical treatments should be considered. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of radiation therapy on patients with desmoid tumors, especially those with unresectable disease.

Methods

We evaluated studies published between 1 January 1990 and 31 August 2017 and cited in PubMed and Ichushi (in Japanese). All studies evaluating the effect of radiation therapy on desmoid tumors were included. Data regarding radiation dose, recurrence and adverse events were recorded.

Results

Among 218 identified studies, only 6 were finally included in this review. Local control was achieved in 253 of 317 patients with unresectable or unresected tumors who underwent definitive radiation therapy (the crude rate of local control was 79.8%). Toxicity was evaluated in patients who underwent definitive radiation therapy or surgery plus radiation therapy. One of the most common acute complications was skin toxicity. Frequent late complications of radiation therapy included fibrosis/contracture/joint stiffness, skin disorders, lymphedema and pain. Six patients developed secondary malignancies in the radiation field.

Conclusions

In patients treated unsuccessfully with surgery, watchful waiting and pharmacotherapy, radiation therapy may be an option as salvage therapy because of the high rate of local control. Because desmoid tumors frequently develop in young individuals, children and young patients who receive radiation therapy for the treatment of desmoid tumors should be followed up on a long-term basis with periodic monitoring for late radiation toxicities.

[Loco-regional therapy for desmoid tumeurs. Current status and perspectives]

Locoregional therapy for advanced or recurrent desmoid tumor is part of our therapeutic armamentarium. Radiation therapy at a dose of 56Gy is feasible and has led to favorable results despite limited prospective data available. Cryoablation is a novel, very promising technique that may be applied in the same clinical picture of advanced, progressing or recurrent disease, in the hands of trained teams. All these options have to be discussed in sarcoma tumor boards due to the rarity of the disease and the expertise needed.

[Desmoid tumors: Are there still any surgical indications?]

After an adapted imaging, the diagnosis of a desmoid tumor (DT) is provided by a percutaneous microbiopsy, with a molecular analysis for beta-catenin or APC gene mutation. The therapeutic strategy must be decided in a specialized multidisciplinary tumor board (MTB). Surgery is no longer the first-line treatment for a DT. Except within a surgical complication, active surveillance is offered to the majority of patients, since more than half stabilize or regress after an initial progression, whether the location is peripheral or intra-abdominal. If the localization and/or volume are likely to be functional or life-threatening, medical induction therapy is discussed in MTB, before a local treatment whose potential sequelae would be definitive. Incomplete unplanned resection, recurrence, pregnancy or desmoids occurring in a polyposis context are no longer routine surgical indications. In an emergency setting (occlusion, peritonitis), it is discussed to treat only the mechanical complication and leave the DT in place, if its resection would lead to too much digestive resection, especially in patients who have already undergone colectomy for polyposis. The best indications for surgery are patients who have parietal locations with significant and documented progression, because surgery can be easily completed at the cost of an acceptable morbidity. In localizations where surgery would cause sequelae, medical treatment or other regional loco treatments are discussed in MTB.

Evolving Practice Patterns Over Two Decades (1993-2013) in the Management of Desmoid-type Fibromatosis in British Columbia

AIMS

Due to the rarity and varied natural history of desmoid-type fibromatosis, evidence-based treatment standards for this disease remain lacking. This study evaluated outcomes in patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis managed at a Canadian institution over two decades.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Records of 227 patients with desmoid-type fibromatosis referred from 1990 to 2013 were retrospectively reviewed to investigate management strategies including active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, cryoablation, and systemic therapy, including tamoxifen and chemotherapy.

RESULTS

Thirty-two per cent of cases were men, median age 40 years, median tumour size 5.4 cm. Initial treatments were surgery (79%), tamoxifen (13%), radiation therapy (5.0%), chemotherapy (1.8%) and cryoablation (1.2%). Active surveillance was used upfront in 26% of cases, most after 2005. At a median follow-up of 77 months, one patient died of disease, 13 died of unrelated causes and the remainder were alive with no evidence of disease (56%), stable/responding disease (33%) or progressive disease (4%). The recurrence rate was 25% after upfront surgery. Response rates and disease control rates were 40% and 76% for active surveillance; 68% and 96% for radiation therapy; 31% and 67% for tamoxifen; and 53% and 80% for chemotherapy. On univariable analysis, factors associated with a higher recurrence after initial surgery were young age (P = 0.012), male gender (P = 0.012) and extremity location (P = 0.005). On multivariable analysis, only young age was significantly associated with recurrence risk (P = 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Active surveillance was associated with spontaneous regression and long-term disease control consistent with other studies. Primary radiation therapy appeared to provide a similar response and disease control compared with systemic treatments and may be a viable option for patients who are not candidates for surgery or active surveillance.

Effective high intensity focused ultrasound treatment in recurrent aggressive breast fibromatosis: a case report

Aggressive breast fibromatosis (referred to as a desmoid tumor) is a rare, locally invasive, non-metastasizing tumor with high recurrence rate. The therapeutic modalities range from surgery and radiotherapy to medical treatments. However, the optimal treatment is controversial, especially in a situation of repeated recurrence. Here, we present a case of a patient with aggressive breast fibromatosis with multiple recurrence after surgeries, who underwent high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment effectively without side effects. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of HIFU treatment in aggressive breast fibromatosis, which indicates that HIFU might be a novel, promising modality for this rare disease.

Percutaneous cryoablation for the treatment of extra-abdominal desmoid tumors

Background

Desmoid tumors are rare locally invasive, benign neoplasms that develop along aponeurotic structures. Current treatment is complicated by associated morbidity and high recurrence rates.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐institution review identified 23 patients (age: 16‐77) with extra‐abdominal desmoid tumors who received CT‐guided percutaneous cryoablation as either a first‐line (61%) or salvage (39%) treatment in 30 sessions between 2014 and 2018. Median maximal lesion diameter was 69 mm (range: 11‐209). Intent was curative in 52% and palliative in 48%. Contrast‐enhanced cross‐sectional imaging was obtained before and after treatment in addition to routine clinical follow‐up.

Results

Technical success was achieved in all patients. The median follow‐up was 15.4 months (3.5‐43.4). Symptomatic improvement was demonstrated in 89% of patients. At 12 months, the average change in viable volume was  −80% (range −100% to  + 10%) and response by modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST) was CR 36%, PR 36%, and SD 28% No rapid postablation growth or track seeding was observed. Four patients underwent repeat cryoablation for either residual or recurrent disease. Two patients sustained a major procedural complication consisting of significant neuropraxia.

Conclusion

Cryoablation for desmoid tumors demonstrates a high degree of symptom improvement and local tumor control on early follow‐up imaging with relatively low morbidity.