Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis: Who, When, and How to Treat

Development, Validation, and Visualization of A Web-Based Nomogram for Predicting the Recurrence-Free Survival Rate of Patients With Desmoid Tumors

Background

Surgery is an important treatment option for desmoid tumor (DT) patients, but how to decrease and predict the high recurrence rate remains a major challenge.

Methods

Desmoid tumor patients diagnosed and treated at Tianjin Cancer Institute & Hospital were included, and a web-based nomogram was constructed by screening the recurrence-related risk factors using Cox regression analysis. External validation was conducted with data from the Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.

Results

A total of 385 patients were identified. Finally, after excluding patients without surgery, patients who were lost to follow-up, and patients without complete resection, a total of 267 patients were included in the nomogram construction. Among these patients, 53 experienced recurrence, with a recurrence rate of 19.85%. The 3-year and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates were 82.5% and 78%, respectively. Age, tumor diameter, admission status, location, and tumor number were correlated with recurrence in univariate Cox analysis. In multivariate Cox analysis, only age, tumor diameter and tumor number were independent risk factors for recurrence and were then used to construct a web-based nomogram to predict recurrence. The concordance index (C-index) of the nomogram was 0.718, and the areas under the curves (AUCs) of the 3-year and 5-year receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.751 and 0.761, respectively. In the external validation set, the C-index was 0.706, and the AUCs of the 3-year and 5-year ROC curves are 0.788 and 0.794, respectively.

Conclusions

Age, tumor diameter, and tumor number were independent predictors of recurrence for DTs, and a web-based nomogram containing these three predictors could accurately predict RFS (https://stepforward.shinyapps.io/Desmoidtumor/).

Management of aggressive fibromatosis

Aggressive fibromatosis or desmoid tumor is a rare disease resulting from fibroblasts which do not metastasize. However, desmoid tumors belong to low-grade malignant tumors since they have high potential to infiltrate surrounding tissues, causing high local recurrence rates and may affect surrounding organs, threatening life quality and expectancy. Although surgery, watch and wait, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, ablation techniques or several agents have all been frequently investigated for the treatment of this type of disease, none are deemed as standard therapy for high recurrence rates that have been supported by any data. The present review retrieved literature on treatment options for desmoids to summarize the latest treatment modalities and refine their efficacy, as well as their side effects, in order to provide a more comprehensive treatment reference for clinicians.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis of the chest wall: a case report

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), also known as deep fibromatosis or desmoid tumor, is an extremely rare neoplasm that develops from fascia and musculoaponeurotic tissue. These tumors are characterized by slow progressive growth, local invasion, and local recurrence after surgical excision, but they lack metastatic potential. DF accounts for 3.5% of all fibrous tumors, with an annual incidence of approximately 2–4/million. Until now, only a small number of cases have been found in the chest wall. Herein, we present a rare case of chest wall DF in a 43-year-old female, which was discovered accidentally due to a thoracic wall mass that extended outward from the sternum. Computed tomography scans revealed a subcutaneous soft tissue mass anterior to the sternum, which was considered to be a mesenchymal tumor or an inflammatory lesion. The patient underwent surgical excision of the mass. The mass was completely removed and all margins were negative. According to the pathological results, the patient was finally diagnosed as DF. Postoperative radiotherapy was suggested subsequently, especially considering the locally aggressive and infiltrative nature of the tumor. However, this was rejected by the patient, and biannual re-examination was recommended instead. Despite the absence of postoperative radiotherapy, there was no evidence of local recurrence 2 years later. We consider regular postoperative follow-up may be able to replace postoperative radiotherapy, and if there exist an opportunity to completely resect the mass, surgical is a worthwhile choice.

Musculoskeletal interventional oncology: current and future practices

Management of musculoskeletal (MSK) tumours has traditionally been delivered by surgeons and medical oncologists. However, in recent years, image-guided interventional oncology (IO) has significantly impacted the clinical management of MSK tumours. With the rapid evolution of relevant technologies and the expanding range of clinical indications, it is likely that the impact of IO will significantly grow and further evolve in the near future.

In this narrative review, we describe well-established and new interventional technologies that are currently integrating into the IO armamentarium available to radiologists to treat MSK tumours and illustrate new emerging IO indications for treatment.

Abnormal Presentation of Aggressive Fibromatosis After Radiotherapy for Keloids: Case Report and Brief Literature Review

RATIONALE

Keloids, dermal fibroproliferative lesions, often occur secondary to skin injury and extend beyond the margins of the original lesion. Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a rare condition arising from fibroblasts and is characterized clinically as a nonmetastasizing but locally invasive tumor. In this work, we present the case of a patient who developed AF in the chest 3 years after surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for keloids.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 15-year-old female patient who underwent surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for keloids presented with AF in the chest 3 years after intervention.

DIAGNOSES AND OUTCOMES

Physical examination revealed a fan-shaped scar on the manubrium sterni with a radius of 7 cm, as well as a 9 (L) × 2-cm (W) longitudinal reddish and irregularly surfaced scar arising from previous incisions. By comparing this case with similar cases reported previously, we infer that a history of exposure to radiation is the main factor that contributes to the development of AF in patients suffering from keloid scars. We also discussed the clinical characteristics of AF and treatment options and suggest factors that should be considered when using radiotherapy in patients with keloids.

LESSONS

To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of AF developing in a patient after radiotherapy for keloids. Radiotherapy may be a causal factor of AF.

Desmoid-Type Fibromatosis

Desmoid tumors represent a rare entity of monoclonal origin characterized by locally aggressive behavior and inability to metastasize. Most cases present in a sporadic pattern and are characterized by a mutation in the CTNNB1 gene; while 5–15% show a hereditary pattern associated with APC gene mutation, both resulting in abnormal β-catenin accumulation within the cell. The most common sites of presentation are the extremities and the thoracic wall, whereas FAP associated cases present intra-abdominally or in the abdominal wall. Histopathological diagnosis is mandatory, and evaluation is guided with imaging studies ranging from ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance. Current approaches advocate for an initial active surveillance period due to the stabilization and even regression capacity of desmoid tumors. For progressive, symptomatic, or disabling cases, systemic treatment, radiotherapy or surgery may be used. This is a narrative review of this uncommon disease; we present current knowledge about molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

[Long-term effectiveness of "West China Classification" guided surgical treatment of desmoid-type fibromatosis in shoulder girdle]

Objective

To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of patients received surgical treatment under the guidance of "West China Classification" of desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) in the shoulder girdle.

Methods

The clinical data of 32 patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle admitted between June 2003 and December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed, including 14 males and 18 females, aged 14-56 years with an average age of 36.8 years. The maximum diameter of the tumor was 7-19 cm, with an average of 11.1 cm. According to the "West China Classification" of DTF in the shoulder girdle, there were 4 cases of region Ⅰ, 3 cases of region Ⅱ, 6 cases of region Ⅲ, 3 cases of region Ⅳ, 5 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ, 5 cases of regions Ⅱ+Ⅲ, and 6 cases of regions Ⅰ+Ⅱ+Ⅲ. In addition, the involvement of blood vessels and nerves was also taken into consideration for choosing a surgical approach. Finally, 12 cases were operated via anteroposterior approach (group A), 14 via posterior approach (group B), and 6 via combined anterior-posterior approach (group C). The 1993 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93) score (including pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand position, hand flexibility, and lifting ability), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, range of motion (ROM) of shoulder joint (including flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction), and complications of patients in the 3 groups were recorded and compared.

Results

All the 32 patients were followed up 30-190 months, with an average of 94.6 months. At last follow-up, complications occurred in 5 cases (15.6%), including 2 cases (16.6%) in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications among the 3 groups ( P=1.000). Tumor recurrence occurred in 5 (15.6%) cases, including 1 (8.3%) case in group A, 2 (14.3%) in group B, and 1 (16.6%) in group C. No significant difference was found in the recurrence rate among the 3 groups ( P=1.000). At last follow-up, MSTS93 score of pain, limb function, satisfaction, hand flexibility, and hand position in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C ( P<0.05), even though no significant difference existed between group A and group B ( P>0.05). The lifting ability score in group C was significantly lower than in group A ( P<0.05), and no significant difference was found between other groups ( P>0.05). The JOA score and flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction activities of shoulder in groups A and B were significantly better than those in group C ( P<0.05). The extension activity in group A was significantly better than that in group B ( P<0.05), the flexion activity in group B was significantly better than that in group A ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in other indexes between groups A and B ( P>0.05).

Conclusion

Taking a rational approach to fully expose and completely remove the tumor is the key point of surgical treatment for patients with DTF in the shoulder girdle. At the same time, preservation of vital structures and reconstruction of soft tissues should also be taken into consideration. Overall, surgical treatment under the guidance of "West China Classification" of DTF in the shoulder girdle has achieved satisfactory long-term effectiveness.

Desmoid tumor mimics local recurrence of extremity sarcoma on MRI

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The development of desmoid fibromatosis after tumor resection may mimic local recurrence. To our knowledge, this phenomenon has not been reported after extremity sarcoma resection. We report four cases of desmoid-type fibromatosis ("desmoid tumors") mimicking local recurrence after extremity sarcoma resection.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients treated for extremity sarcoma by our orthopedic oncology service from 2014 to 2019 and identified four patients with biopsy-proven desmoid tumors. We extracted clinical, pathologic, radiographic, and operative data for the primary neoplasms and desmoid tumors.

RESULTS

Four patients with postresection surveillance magnetic resonance imaging suspicious for local recurrence underwent further analysis showing desmoid tumors. Patients underwent image-guided needle biopsy, with specimens demonstrating fibromatosis-type histologic characteristics. Two cases were β-catenin positive. Desmoid tumors were managed with observation. No patient had experienced local or distant recurrence of the primary tumor at a mean follow-up of 30 months after resection (range, 23-34 months); none underwent surgery for symptoms of desmoid tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoid tumors should be considered part of the differential diagnosis when assessing patients with radiographic concern for postresection local recurrence of extremity bone and soft-tissue sarcoma. An image-guided needle biopsy can inform diagnosis and management.

Complex Case of Aggressive Intra-abdominal Desmoid-type Fibromatosis Status Post Cholecystectomy

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF), also known as desmoid tumor, is an extremely rare, benign, mesenchymal fibrous tumor with no potential for metastasis. It can arise from any part of the body, most commonly extra-abdominally. Intra-abdominal DF can present sporadically, in sites of previous trauma, surgical scars and irradiation, or in association with familial adenomatous polyposis and Gardner syndrome. Intra-abdominal DF is uncommon and especially rare after a common surgery like cholecystectomy. We report a rare case of a 67-year-old male who presented with a locally aggressive intra-abdominal DF in the gallbladder fossa, status post cholecystectomy. This progressively enlarging infiltrative enhancing solid mass in the gallbladder fossa on serial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated gastric outlet obstruction, biliary obstruction, portal vein narrowing and encasement of hepatic artery. Diagnosis of DF in this postoperative setting was delayed and challenging due to uncharacteristic clinical presentation. Radiologists should be aware of this unusual diagnosis and spectrum of imaging findings to help in timely surgical management and planning.

Cryoablation of a Symptomatic Chest Wall Desmoid Tumor Underneath a Silicone Breast Implant

Desmoid tumors are locally aggressive tumors that have a high rate of reoccurrence, even after resection. Percutaneous cryoablation is an effective alternative treatment with less associated risk. A patient in the fifth decade of life with a history of ductal carcinoma-in-situ, status post bilateral mastectomy and silicone implant placement, presented with a palpable mass in the left breast, core biopsy proven to be a desmoid tumor underneath the implant. The patient underwent two cryoablation procedures in a six-month period. During both procedures part of the implant was included in the ablation zone without any negative effects on the implant. Cryoablation is a feasible treatment option for desmoid tumors adjacent to silicone breast implants.

An engineered antibody fragment targeting mutant β-catenin via major histocompatibility complex I neoantigen presentation

Mutations in CTNNB1, the gene encoding β-catenin, are common in colon and liver cancers, the most frequent mutation affecting Ser-45 in β-catenin. Peptides derived from WT β-catenin have previously been shown to be presented on the cell surface as part of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I, suggesting an opportunity for targeting this common driver gene mutation with antibody-based therapies. Here, crystal structures of both the WT and S45F mutant peptide bound to HLA-A*03:01 at 2.20 and 2.45 Å resolutions, respectively, confirmed the accessibility of the phenylalanine residue for antibody recognition. Phage display was then used to identify single-chain variable fragment clones that selectively bind the S45F mutant peptide presented in HLA-A*03:01 and have minimal WT or other off-target binding. Following the initial characterization of five clones, we selected a single clone, E10, for further investigation. We developed a computational model of the binding of E10 to the mutant peptide-bound HLA-A3, incorporating data from affinity maturation as initial validation. In the future, our model may be used to design clones with maintained specificity and higher affinity. Such derivatives could be adapted into either cell-based (CAR-T) or protein-based (bispecific T-cell engagers) therapies to target cancer cells harboring the S45F mutation in CTNNB1.

Papillary thyroid cancer with extrathyroidal extension of desmoid-type fibromatosis. A case report of an aggressive presentation of an uncommon pathologic entity

INTRODUCTION

Papillary thyroid cancer with desmoid-type fibromatosis (PTC-DTF) is an uncommon tumor characterized by extensive stromal proliferation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with a small component of PTC. We report a case of PTC-DTF with infiltration of the mesenchymal component of tumor into perithyroidal muscle and early recurrence of desmoid after thyroidectomy, an outcome previously not reported.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 20-year-old man underwent left hemithyroidectomy for a thyroid nodule. Pathology demonstrated a 4.2 cm tumor with PTC-DTF with the PTC comprising <10% of the tumor. The stromal component extended into adjacent skeletal muscle. After completion thyroidectomy, histopathology of the right thyroid lobe revealed no malignancy or fibromatosis. Neck MRI 16 months after the initial operation revealed a 10.5 cm tumor in the left thyroid bed. Core biopsy and open excisional biopsy showed desmoid-type fibromatosis without PTC. The patient is undergoing chemotherapy of his recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis.

DISCUSSION

In patients with PTC-DTF there is a risk of recurrence of the benign component of the tumor. In recent reports, the role of less aggressive surgery, or even non-surgical management, of patients with recurrent DTF has been emphasized, in particular when extensive surgery may be associated with high risk of functional loss. The management of our patient adheres to modern recommendations for the treatment of DTF.

CONCLUSION

Patients with PTC-DTF should be carefully monitored after thyroidectomy for both recurrent PTC and local recurrence of the fibrous component of the tumor.

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.

Clinicopathologic Study of Calcifying Fibrous Tumor Emphasizing Different Anatomical Distribution and Favorable Prognosis

Aims

Calcifying fibrous tumor (CFT) is a very rare begin fibroblastic tumor featuring a widely anatomical distribution and may mimic various spindle cell tumors. Misdiagnosis and hence mistreatment are likely caused due to unfamiliarity to clinicians or junior pathologists. We collected a relatively large series of CFTs in our institution aiming at further summarizing their clinicopathologic features in Chinese patients and discussing the diagnosis and differential diagnosis in clinical practice.

Methods

Clinicopathologic data of 22 CFTs were retrospectively reviewed. Histologic features were reevaluated and summarized. Immunostaining markers include CD34, SMA, Desmin, keratin, S100, ALK1, CD117, IgG, IgG4, and Ki-67. Follow-up of all cases was performed.

Results

22 CFTs include gastric (n=8), pulmonary (n=2), hepatic (n=2), cervical (n=1), appendiceal (n=1), esophageal (n=1), retroperitoneal (n=1), intra-abdominal (n=1), diaphragmatic (n=1), spermatic cord and scrotum (n=1), anconeal (n=1), mesenteric (n=1), and omental (n=1) lesions. Coexisting hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, Castleman disease, and leiomyoma of the uterus and other metabolic or functional disorders were also appreciated. CFT histologically features spindle cells embedded dense hyalinized stroma with scattered psammomatous calcifications and lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and immunohistochemically for CD34. None of any individuals die of CFT per se.

Conclusion

Our study discloses that CFT is a bona fide benign fibroblastic lesion, regardless of its developing location. Involvement of digestive tract seems much more common in the Chinese population. Awareness of the clinicopathologic characteristics of this rare entity and its mimickers contribute to avoiding misdiagnosis and mistreatment in clinical practice.

Desmoid Tumor at the Site of Endometriosis Surgery, Coincident with the Use of Oral Contraceptives

Desmoid tumors, which are often estrogen-dependent, frequently develop in surgical wounds. Here we report the case of 33-year-old woman with a 4-cm solid mass detected in her left adnexal area. She had previously undergone a laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis at age 29 years and had been using a combined oral contraceptive (COC) to prevent recurrence. The mass was diagnosed as a uterine myoma on the basis of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist therapy for 3 months resulted in shrinkage of the tumor. Using a second laparoscopy, we identified a tumor originating from the sigmoid colon. The pathological diagnosis was desmoid tumor. Gynecologists should consider the possibility of desmoid tumor in patients who have been using COCs and undergone previous surgeries.

Facial fibromatosis: benign and aggressive, yet treatable!

Fibromatosis or desmoid tumors are locally aggressive neoplasms that have a propensity for local invasion and recurrence. The mainstay of treatment is excision with negative margins and the role of radiotherapy is controversial. Desmoids arising in the head and neck area are rare and pose a dilemma to the surgeon due to large number of vital structures that preclude resection with wide margins. This leads to a high incidence of recurrence. We present a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with an asymptomatic left sided facial swelling causing cosmetic deformity. A subcutaneous lipoma/fibroma/neuroma was suspected and a fine needle aspiration done was inconclusive. Computed tomography revealed a subcutaneous swelling that was excised. Histopathology revealed it to be a desmoid tumor. At the end of 4-year-follow-up, he has no local recurrence.

Current Update on Desmoid Fibromatosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to review the etiopathogenesis, molecular cytogenetics, histopathology, clinical features, and multimodality imaging features of desmoid fibromatosis. Recent advances in the management of desmoid fibromatosis will also be discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare soft tissue neoplasm with a high incidence of local recurrence. Imaging plays an important role in the diagnosis and management of this disease.

A large and aggressive fibromatosis in the axilla: a rare case report and review of the literature

Aggressive fibromatosis (AF) is a rare benign tumor, which occurs in the deep part of bone and muscle fibrous tissue. Clinical and pathological features can be challenging for definitive diagnosis. Here, we report a rare case of a large AF in the axilla. Interestingly, 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography showed significant increase in standard uptake value. Surgical resection yielded a spindle cell tumor likely of fibromatosis origin which was positive for β-catenin expression.