Survival outcomes after adjuvant radiotherapy for aggressive fibromatosis depend on time frame and nuclear β-catenin

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.