THE NEED FOR MULTIPLE SURGERIES FOR FREQUENT DESMOID TUMOR RECURRENCE

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are very rare mesenchymal neoplasms with an estimated incidence of 3 per 100 soft tissue tumor cases. They are locally invasive, aggressive and cause significant complications. The treatment modalities of desmoids include surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy. Currently there is no gold standard and neither therapy is effective for high recurrence (25‑77%) desmoid tumors. Desmoid tumors also have the capacity for self-limitation and, therefore, no treatment other than observation is possible expecting spontaneous regression. Treatment options for desmoid tumors are limited and as­sessment of treatment effects remains an unresolved issue due to no standard validated response criteria available.