Background:The optimal treatment of desmoid tumours is controversial. We evaluated desmoid management in Dutch familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients. Methods:Seventy-eight FAP patients with desmoids were identified from the Dutch Polyposis Registry. Data on desmoid morphology, management, and outcome were analysed retrospectively. Progression-free survival (PFS) rates and final outcome were compared for surgical vs non-surgical treatment, for intra-abdominal and extra-abdominal desmoids separately. Also, pharmacological treatment was evaluated for all desmoids. Results:Median follow-up was 8 years. For intra-abdominal desmoids (n=62), PFS rates at 10 years of follow-up were comparable after surgical and non-surgical treatment (33% and 49%, respectively, P=0.163). None of these desmoids could be removed entirely. Eventually, one fifth died from desmoid disease. Most extra-abdominal and abdominal wall desmoids were treated surgically with a PFS rate of 63% and no deaths from desmoid disease. Comparison between NSAID and anti-estrogen treatment showed comparable outcomes. Four of the 10 patients who received chemotherapy had stabilisation of tumour growth, all after doxorubicin combination therapy. Conclusion:For intra-abdominal desmoids, a conservative approach and surgery showed comparable outcomes. For extra-abdominal and abdominal wall desmoids, surgery seemed appropriate. Different pharmacological therapies showed comparable outcomes. If chemotherapy was given for progressively growing intra-abdominal desmoids, most favourable outcomes occurred after combinations including doxorubicin.British Journal of Cancer advance online publication, 9 November 2010; doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605997 www.bjcancer.com.

doi.org/10.1038/sj.bjc.6605997, hdl.handle.net/1765/21426
British Journal of Cancer
Erasmus MC: University Medical Center Rotterdam

Nieuwenhuis, M., Mathus-Vliegen, E., Nagengast, F., van der Bijl, J., Dalsen, A., Kleibeuker, J., … Vasen, H. (2011). Evaluation of management of desmoid tumours associated with familial adenomatous polyposis in Dutch patients. British Journal of Cancer, 104(1), 37–42. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605997