Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis--a sarcoma unit review of practice, long term recurrence rates and survival

Comprehensive RNA Sequencing Analysis Identifies Network Hub Genes and Biomarkers Differentiating Desmoid-type Fibromatosis From Reactive Fibrosis

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) is a benign but locally aggressive neoplasm characterized by persistent fibroblast activation, unlike reactive fibrosis (RF), where fibroblast activation is transient. Although the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is known to play a role in DTF pathogenesis, the specific genetic drivers contributing to this abnormal fibroblast activation are not fully understood. To identify additional driver genes that underlie the persistent activation of fibroblasts in DTF, we conducted a comparative transcriptome analysis between 29 DTF and 14 RF tissue samples, identifying 4267 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to DTF. These DTF-specific DEGs were significantly associated with pathways involved in embryonic limb morphogenesis and muscle contraction, whereas RF-specific DEGs were linked to immune response and apoptosis. Using weighted gene coexpression network analysis to further elucidate the key regulatory circuits associated with persistent activation of DTF fibroblasts, we identified a highly DTF-specific gene module comprising 120 genes. This module was also significantly enriched in other fibroproliferative conditions showing persistent fibroblast activation, such as keloid disease and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Subsequent analyses identified 7 driver transcription factors (ZNF536, IRX5, TWIST2, NKD2, PAX9, SHOX2, and SALL4) within this DTF-specific module that may contribute to the sustained activation of DTF fibroblasts. We further assessed the utility of 5 key genes from this module (TWIST2, LRRC15, CTHRC1, SHOX2, and SALL4) as potential biomarkers to distinguish DTF from RF using immunohistochemistry. All markers demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with TWIST2 showing exceptionally high sensitivity and specificity, surpassing β-catenin, the current standard biomarker for DTF. In conclusion, our study identifies gene modules and driver transcription factors that are highly specific to DTF, offering new insights into the genetic underpinnings of abnormal fibroblast activation in DTF. We also propose novel biomarkers that could improve the diagnostic accuracy and clinical management of DTF.

Desmoid-type fibromatosis of the breast: a case report and literature review

Breast desmoid-type fibromatosis (BDF) is a rare tumor predominated by mesenchymal cells. It has a high recurrence rate, although distal metastasis is uncommon. It resembles breast cancer clinically, and histological pathology is the only approach to a confirmed diagnosis. Comprehensive and individualized treatments were recommended for BDF patients. Here, we presented a case of BDF secondary to primary breast carcinoma in our center. A 47-year-old female complained of a large mass in her left breast for 2.5 months. She has a past history of left breast carcinoma with a failure of surgical and systemic intervention. Despite an active re-operation, she still suffered from disease progression with a bad prognosis. After our report, the clinicopathological traits, differential diagnosis of BDF and current recommendation of management were discussed. This case report aimed to make a clear recognition of this rare and aggressive disease and elaborate up-to-date treatment recommendations. More effective drugs and larger sample clinical studies are encouraged for better management of refractory and progressive BDF.

Precision oncology: The role of minimally-invasive ablation therapy in the management of solid organ tumors

Solid organ tumors present a significant healthcare challenge, both economically and logistically, due to their high incidence and treatment complexity. In 2023, out of the 1.9 million new cancer cases in the United States, over 73% were solid organ tumors. Ablative therapies offer minimally invasive solutions for malignant tissue destruction in situ, often with reduced cost and morbidity compared to surgical resection. This review examines the current Food and Drug Administration-approved locoregional ablative therapies (radiofrequency, microwave, cryogenic, high-intensity focused ultrasound, histotripsy) and their evolving role in cancer care. Data were collected through a comprehensive survey of the PubMed-indexed literature on tumor ablation techniques, their clinical indications, and outcomes. Over time, emerging clinical data will help establish these therapies as the standard of care in solid organ tumor treatment, supported by improved long-term outcomes and progression-free survival.

Case report: Rapidly progressive desmoid tumor after surgery for esophagogastric junction cancer and slowly progressive primary desmoid tumor: a report of two cases and literature review

Background

Desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare locally aggressive but non-metastatic mesenchymal soft tissue neoplasm that predominantly occurs in the abdominal wall, abdominal cavity, and extremities. Its occurrence in the mesentery is relatively uncommon.

Case reports

This article reports two cases of desmoid tumor treated at the Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Weifang People's Hospital. The first case was a 59-year-old male patient who had previously undergone surgery for esophagogastric junction cancer. Postoperatively, he developed an intra-abdominal mass that rapidly increased in size within three months. The second case was a 60-year-old male patient who incidentally discovered a mass in the left lower abdomen. Both patients underwent surgical treatment, and the postoperative pathological diagnosis was mesenteric desmoid tumor.

Conclusion

The treatment of desmoid tumor remains challenging. Simple surgical resection often yields unsatisfactory outcomes, and the efficacy of adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy is also limited. Further research and clinical practice are necessary to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, aiming to enhance patient survival and quality of life.

Extra‑abdominal recurrent aggressive fibromatosis: A case series and a literature review

Aggressive fibromatosis is a rare clonal proliferative tumor arising from mesenchymal cells in the fascia and musculoaponeurotic structures. The aim of the present study was to describe several cases of extra-abdominal recurrent aggressive fibromatosis. The present study was a single-center retrospective case series of patients with recurrent aggressive fibromatosis. The cases were managed at a single private facility. A total of 9 patients with recurrent fibromatosis were included. The mean and median ages of the patients were 29 and 30 years, respectively. In total, two thirds (66.67%) of the cases were female. A negative previous medical history was reported in 7 cases (77.7%), and diabetes and hypertension were reported in 1 case (11.1%). Overall, only 1 case (11.1%) had a family history of breast fibromatosis. The time interval between primary tumor resection and recurrent presentation was 28 months. In 6 cases (66.7%), the tumor was located in the extremities. Pain was the most common presenting symptom in 6 cases (66.7%). All patients had their recurring tumor surgically removed, followed by radiation in 5 cases. The resection margin was positive in 4 cases (44.4%). Each patient was subjected to a careful three-month follow-up for recurrences. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that despite the fact that several therapeutic approaches for extra-abdominal recurrent aggressive fibromatosis have been described in the literature, there is a significant likelihood of recurrence following resection.

Desmoid fibroma simulating malignant breast neoplasm: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION

Desmoid fibroma (DF) is a disorder characterized by strong clonal proliferation of myofibroblasts and fibroblasts. We describe a case of DF that mimicked a breast tumor, along with a review of the literature on the clinical manifestation, diagnostic process, and course of therapy for this combative disease.

CASE REPORT

A 34-year-old female patient with breast lump at the junction of the upper quadrants of the left breast. After the diagnosis of DF, it was decided to perform a sectorectomy of the left breast associated with post-quadrant reconstruction, with immunohistochemistry and findings compatible with DF.

DISCUSSION

Clinically manifests as a solid mass that is often painless and occasionally adherent to the chest wall. A treatment strategy should be idealized for each patient. Thus, there is the possibility of performing radical surgery for resection and/or radiotherapy, and surgery may be followed by radiotherapy.

Intraabdominal sporadic desmoid tumors and inflammation: an updated literature review and presentation and insights on pathogenesis of synchronous sporadic mesenteric desmoid tumors occurring after surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis

Sporadic intra-abdominal desmoid tumors are rare and known to potentially occur after trauma including previous surgery, although knowledge of the underlying pathogenetic mechanism is still limited. We reviewed the recent literature on sporadic intraabdominal desmoids and inflammation as we investigated the mutational and epigenetic makeup of a case of multiple synchronous mesenterial desmoids occurring after necrotizing pancreatitis. A 62-year-old man had four mesenteric masses up to 4.8 cm diameter detected on CT eighteen months after laparotomy for peripancreatic collections from necrotizing pancreatitis. All tumors were excised and diagnosed as mesenteric desmoids. DNA from peripheral blood was tested for a multigene panel. The tumour DNA was screened for three most frequent β-catenin gene mutations T41A, S45F and S45P. Expression levels of miR-21-3p and miR-197-3-p were compared between the desmoid tumors and other wild-type sporadic desmoids. The T41A CTNNB1 mutation was present in all four desmoid tumors. miR-21-3p and miR-197-3p were respectively upregulated and down-regulated in the mutated sporadic mesenteric desmoids, with respect to wild-type lesions. The patient is free from recurrence 34 months post-surgery. The literature review did not show similar studies. To our knowledge, this is the first study to interrogate genetic and epigenetic signature of multiple intraabdominal desmoids to investigate potential association with abdominal inflammation following surgery for necrotizing pancreatitis. We found mutational and epigenetic features that hint at potential activation of inflammation pathways within the desmoid tumor.

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor fibromatosis: a multicenter EMSOS study

Background

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor fibromatosis (DTF) is a rare, locally aggressive soft tissue tumour. The best treatment modality for this patient cohort is still object of debate.

Questions/purpose

This paper aimed to (1) to compare the outcomes of DTF after different treatment modalities, (2) to assess prognostic factors for recurrence following surgical excision, and (3) to assess prognostic factors for progression during observation.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicenter study under the patronage of the European Musculoskeletal Oncology Society (EMSOS). All seven centres involved were tertiary referral centres for soft tissue tumours. Baseline demographic data was collected for all patients as well as data on the diagnosis, tumour characteristics, clinical features, treatment modalities and whether they had any predisposing factors for DTF.

Results

Three hundred eighty-eight patients (240 female, 140 male) with a mean age of 37.6 (±18.8 SD, range: 3–85) were included in the study. Two hundred fifty-seven patients (66%) underwent surgical excision of ADF, 70 patients (18%) were observed without therapy, the residual patients had different conservative treatments. There were no significant differences in terms of tumour recurrence or progression between the different treatment groups. After surgical excision, younger age, recurrent disease and larger tumour size were risk factors for recurrence, while tumours around the shoulder girdle and painful lesions were at risk of progression in the observational group.

Conclusion

Local recurrence rate after surgery was similar to progression rates under observation. Hence, observation in DTF seems to be justified, considering surgery in case of dimensional progression in 2 consecutive controls (3 and 6 months) and in painful lesions, with particular attention to lesions around the shoulder girdle.

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.

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 of the Foot: A Retrospective Study of Four Patients

BACKGROUND

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is an aggressive (myo)fibroblastic neoplasm with an infiltrative growth pattern and a tendency for local recurrence. It is rarely seen at the foot. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze clinical presentation, therapy, and outcomes in a consecutive series of four patients with DF at the foot.

METHODS

From 1994 to 2014, four patients had been surgically treated. The resection margin was marginal or even intralesional in all. One patient already had local recurrence at first presentation. The end point was either local recurrence or progression of residual disease.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 27 years. In one patient, marginal excision healed the disease. In another patient, local recurrence after marginal resection necessitated distal phalanx amputation. Two other patients showed stable disease after either adjuvant radiotherapy or treatment with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and tamoxifen.

CONCLUSIONS

If surgery is necessary, operative margins are less important than keeping function for the patient. Radiotherapy might be an option to avoid major amputation. The role of adjuvant radiotherapy is controversially discussed. A watchful wait-and-see policy seems to be justified by the published data but may be difficult for DF at the foot.

Desmoid fibromatosis following surgical resection of spinal meningioma

A 42-year-old female patient with a history of cervicothoracic junction meningioma World Health Organization grade I, resected in early 2011, was admitted to the hospital with intractable headache and lower extremity weakness. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed an epidural mass compressing the spinal cord at the prior surgical site, which was interpreted as recurrent meningioma. Following surgical resection, histopathological analysis revealed desmoid fibromatosis (desmoid tumor). In retrospect, dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging performed prior to surgery should have allowed for prospective exclusion of meningioma as the recurrent mass and suggested an alternative diagnosis such as post-traumatic desmoid fibromatosis or the need for biopsy to confirm diagnosis.

Desmoid Tumor Presenting as a Typical Cervical Dumbbell Tumor:A Case Report and Literature Review

BACKGROUND

Dumbbell-shaped tumor is a type of the inner and outer cervical spinal canal tumor, and most of them are neurogenic tumors. Desmoid tumor is a rare tumor, and no case of them involving intervertebral foramen formed dumbbell-shaped in cervical spine have been reported before in English literature. Here we report a case of desmoid tumor arising in the cervical spine which is presented as typical dumbbell-shaped tumor.

CASE DESCRIPTION

A 47-year-old female was admitted to our department with a mass in her left neck. The tumor was initially thought to be a neurogenic cervical dumbbell tumor based on physical and radiological examination. Postoperative HE and immunohistochemical staining verified the diagnosis of a cervical dumbbell desmoid tumor, which had never been reported before. We report our experience and reviewed literature about desmoid tumor to share our experience and explore proper treatment option of such lesion.

CONCLUSION

Desmoid tumors in the head and neck may present as cervical dumbbell-shaped tumors. Before the treatment plan was undertaken, thorough examinations including surgical pathology were necessary.

Desmoid Tumours of the extremity and trunk. A retrospective study of 44 patients

Background

Desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a aggressive (myo)fibroblastic neoplasm with an infiltrative growth and a tendency to local recurrence. Resection of the tumour and/or radiation were proposed as principal treatment. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the local control rates focusing on the effect of surgical margins and radiotherapy.

Methods

From 1981 to 2014, 44 patients had been treated. Fifty four therapies had been applied, in 50 cases surgery +/− radiation therapy, NSAIDs or chemotherapy. In 4 cases a conservative approach was chosen. Thirty seven patients had primary, 17 recurrent disease. Endpoint was either local recurrence (LR), progression of residual disease or rare non-metastatic secondary lesions at the same extremity.

Results

The mean age was 39,4 years. In 17 cases a R0, in 27 a R1 and in 6 cases a R2 resection was achieved. Four patients were treated conservatively. All together in 21 cases radiotherapy, in 5 NSAIDs, in 3 imatinib and in 2 cases each tamoxifen or chemotherapy had been applied. The median follow-up was 119 months. 5-year recurrence free survival after resection was 78%. 10 (20.4%) patients developed LR between 5 and 42 months after therapy. Recurrent disease was a negative factor on LR. Margins, radiotherapy, sex, or size of the tumour had no significant impact on LR. Patients younger than 40 years had a significant higher risk of LR.

Conclusions

Surgical margins are less important than keeping function. Radiotherapy might be an option in unresectable lesions, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy is controversially discussed.

EXTRA-ABDOMINAL DESMOID TUMOR: ANALYSIS OF 23 CONSECUTIVE CASES IN A SINGLE INSTITUTION

OBJECTIVE

Extra-abdominal desmoid tumor (EDT) is a rare condition, caused by proliferation of fibroblasts. Despite being a benign tumor, it is locally aggressive and has unpredictable clinical behavior. The objective of this study is to present the clinical outcomes of patients with EDT treated surgically between 1995 and 2016.

METHODS

This is a retrospective series of 23 patients with histopathological diagnosis of EDT that underwent surgery at the orthopedic oncology service of our hospital. The information was obtained from the institute's clinical and pathology reports.

RESULTS

A total of 223 medical records with histopathological reports were evaluated. Only 23 cases of EDT were included in the present study. The mean age was 22.5 years. Twelve (52.2%) patients had the tumor on the lower limbs, seven (30.4%) on the upper limbs and four (17.4%) cases were reported on the back. Five (21.7%) patients had tumors measuring less than 5 cm, while eighteen (78.3%) patients had tumors measuring more than 5 cm. All patients underwent surgery as the definitive treatment in our institute. Twelve (52.2%) cases presented negative margins (NM) and eleven (47.8%) cases had positive margins (PM). Local recurrence (LR) occurred in eleven (47.8%) patients.

CONCLUSION

Impairment of the surgical margin was the only prognostic factor found for LR of EDT. Level of Evidence IV, Case Series.

Effect of surgical margins on prognosis in aggressive fibromatosis: A single-institutional analysis of 90 patients

The treatment of aggressive fibromatosis poses a therapeutic challenge in an interdisciplinary setting. The extent of surgical resection is still discussed controversially. The present retrospective analysis aimed to determine prognostic factors leading to recurrence. Between 2000 and 2014, 114 patients with aggressive fibromatosis were treated surgically at BG-University Hospital Bergmannsheil (Bochum, Germany). Univariate and multivariate analyses were restricted to 90 participants with information available on surgical margins at the initial procedure. The median follow-up time was 7.7 years. A total of 45 patients (50%) developed recurrence during follow-up. Primary tumors were resected with negative margins (R0) in 50 patients (68%) and with microscopically positive margins (R1) in 28 patients (25%). In addition, tumors in 12 patients (7%) were resected with macroscopically positive margins at the initial surgical procedure. The rates of recurrence-free survival (RFS) after 5 years were 68.8% [95% confidence interval (CI), 53.5–79.9%] in patients with R0-resected primary tumors and 34.1% (95% CI, 19.9–48.9%) in patients with R1/R2-status (P=0.001). Narrow and wide clear margins within the R0-group were not associated with significantly different outcomes. Adjuvant radiation, tumor site and patient age were not associated with a significant alteration of RFS. The current results suggest that the attainment of microscopically negative surgical margins at the initial surgical treatment is associated with a significantly improved prognosis. A conservative surgical approach involving the attainment of narrow negative margins while preserving function should be sought in patients in whom tumor resection is indicated. The decision for resection should be made interdisciplinary in each case based on tumor progression, available treatment alternatives and the decision of the informed patient.

Medical treatment of mammary desmoid-type fibromatosis: which benefit?

Background

Breast fibromatosis is a rare disease characterized by monoclonal fibroblast proliferation. It has no ability to metastasize but has a high local recurrence rate and often infiltrates surrounding tissues. Surgical treatment is the reference, but recently, new targeted therapies have emerged. We report an original case of a patient with breast fibromatosis who received exclusive medical treatment. Our aim was to analyze these treatments based on the clinical and radiological outcome, iatrogenic effects, and pharmacological action.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 19-year-old woman who developed a desmoid-type fibromatosis of the lower inner quadrant of the right breast, measuring 50 × 25 mm (i.e., a volume of 27.4 cm³). Initial surgery was not possible because of potential esthetic and functional prejudice. Thus, she had an exclusive medical treatment including several lines: NSAIDs with tamoxifen and triptorelin, followed by sorafenib, then interferon α2b, and finally sunitinib. With tyrosine-kinase inhibitors (TKIs) (sunitinib), a significant partial response was observed (57% reduction of the maximal tumoral volume). For each treatment, we provided the clinical and radiological outcome in association with known pharmacological action.

Conclusions

TKI had been an interesting alternative option to initial surgery, providing at least a partial response and potentially allowing less mutilating surgery. However, no pharmacological mechanism can unequivocally explain TKI efficacy. In general, breast fibromatosis should be treated along with oncologist and interventional radiologists in a trans-disciplinary modality, thus offering an adapted treatment for this particular desmoid-type fibromatosis localization.

Outcome of surgery for primary and recurrent desmoid-type fibromatosis. A retrospective case series of 174 patients

BACKGROUND

The best management of relapsing desmoid-type fibromatosis, a benign but locally infiltrative soft-tissue tumour, is largely undecided. Our aim was to investigate the incidence and the factors influencing local relapse after surgery for primary and recurrent disease of the trunk and extremities.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 174 patients who had surgical treatment for desmoid-type fibromatosis. The quality of the surgical margins and use of adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy were analysed regarding local recurrences in primary and recurrent disease.

RESULTS

Clear margins were achieved in 41% of cases. 10-year local control rate was 58% for clear primary resections as compared to 37% with intralesional primary resections (p = 0.030). Extremity tumours had a higher risk of local recurrence compared to trunk and pelvic ones (p < 0.001). Attempted resection of recurrent disease was associated with an approximately 90% incidence of relapse after each procedure, despite the quality of the surgical margins being equivalent to primary resections. Quality of surgical margins was not important for local control of recurrent lesions. Adjuvant treatments (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) had a no significant effect on the local control rate of recurrent disease (odds ratio 0.693 and 0.969 respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

A complete primary excision is the best window of opportunity to achieve local control of desmoid-type fibromatosis. Once the disease relapses, surgical intervention is accompanied with a high risk of failure, irrespective of the quality of the margins and adjuvant treatment given.

Meta-analysis of the influence of surgical margin and adjuvant radiotherapy on local recurrence after resection of sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis

Background

Extra-abdominal desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) is a rare, locally aggressive neoplasm that is usually managed conservatively. When treatment is indicated, it typically involves surgical resection, possibly with adjuvant radiotherapy. The indications for postoperative radiotherapy and its effectiveness are unclear. The objective of this study was to estimate the effect of surgical resection margins and adjuvant radiotherapy on rates of recurrence of DF.

Methods

Literature published between 1999 and 2015 was extracted from MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Trials, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Recurrence rate was analysed by meta-analysis and compared between subgroups.

Results

Sixteen reports were included, consisting of a total of 1295 patients with DF. In patients treated by surgical resection alone, the risk of local recurrence was almost twofold higher for those with microscopically positive resection margins (risk ratio (RR) 1·78, 95 per cent c.i. 1·40 to 2·26). Adjuvant radiotherapy after surgery with negative margins had no detectable benefit on recurrence. In contrast, after incomplete surgical resection, adjuvant radiotherapy improved recurrence rates both in patients with primary tumours (RR 1·54, 1·05 to 2·27) and in those with recurrent DF (RR 1·60, 1·12 to 2·28).

Conclusion

DF resected with microscopically positive margins has a higher risk of recurrence. Adjuvant radiotherapy appears to reduce the risk of recurrence after incomplete surgical resection, particularly in patients with recurrent tumours.

Management of Desmoids

Desmoid tumors are rare, comprising 3% of soft tissue tumors. Surgical resection has been the standard of care; however, this has begun to evolve into a movement of watchful waiting as observational studies have shown long-term stability of many tumors without treatment and even spontaneous regression in 5% to 10% of cases. When surgical therapy is used, wide local excision with microscopically negative margins is the goal of resection but should not be at the expense of organ or limb function. Recurrence rates after surgical resection are approximately 20%; a variety of multimodal therapies are useful in controlling disease.

Assessment of the Pediatric Foot Mass

Masses in the pediatric foot are relatively uncommon and can present a diagnostic challenge. The literature lacks a comprehensive overview of these types of lesions. Most are benign soft-tissue lesions that can be diagnosed on the basis of history and physical examination. However, some rare malignant neoplasms can mimic benign masses. It is imperative to recognize these lesions because the consequences of a delayed or missed diagnosis can be substantial. A thorough history and physical examination of all pediatric patients with foot lesions are crucial to ensure that any lesion not readily identified as benign is appropriately managed.

Extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis: A review of management, current guidance and unanswered questions

Extra abdominal desmoid fibromatosis is a complex condition with many recognised treatments including active observation, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical resection. There is large variation in the natural history of individual desmoid tumours, with some cases progressing aggressively and others regressing spontaneously when observed alone. This combined with an absence of accurate clinical predictors of a desmoid tumour's behaviour has led to difficulties in identifying which patients would benefit most from aggressive treatment, and which could be adequately managed with a policy of active observation alone. This review explores the aetiology and common presentation of extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis including the condition's histopathological, clinical and radiological characteristics. The current evidence for potential predictors of desmoid tumour behaviour is also reviewed, along with the indications and evidence for the multitude of treatments available. We also summarise the published guidelines that are currently available for oncologists and surgeons managing extra-abdominal desmoid fibromatosis, and highlight some of the unanswered questions that need to be addressed to optimise the management of this condition.

Intra-Abdominal and Abdominal Wall Desmoid Fibromatosis

Desmoid fibromatosis is a rare but locally aggressive tumor comprised of myofibroblasts. Desmoids do not have the ability to metastasize but can cause significant morbidity and mortality by local invasion. These tumors may occur throughout the body, but are commonly found on the abdominal wall and within the intestinal mesentery. Desmoids in these areas may cause unique clinical problems for physicians and patients. Mutations in either the β-catenin or the APC genes are usually the cause for the development of these tumors with the former comprising the sporadic development of tumors and the latter being associated with familial adenomatous polyposis syndrome. Surgical resection with histologically negative margins has been the cornerstone of therapy for this disease, but this paradigm has begun to shift. It is now common to accept a microscopically positive margin after resection as recurrence rates may not be significantly affected. An even more radical evolution in management has been the recent movement towards “watchful waiting” when new desmoids are diagnosed. As the natural history of desmoids has become better understood, it is evident that some tumors will not grow and may even spontaneously regress sparing patients the morbidity of more aggressive therapy. Other modalities of treatment for desmoids include radiation and systemic therapy which both can be used adjuvantly or as definitive therapy and have shown durable response rates as single therapy regimens. The decision to use radiation and/or systemic therapies is often based on tumor biology, tumor location, surgical morbidity, and patient preference. Systemic therapy options have increased to include hormonal therapies, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and chemotherapy, as well as targeted therapies. Unfortunately, the rarity of this disease has resulted in a scarcity of randomized trials to evaluate any of these therapies emphasizing the need for this disease to be treated at high volume multidisciplinary institutions.

[Rare benign breast tumors including Abrikossoff tumor (granular cell tumor), erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, cytosteatonecrosis, fibromatosis (desmoid tumor), galactocele, hamartoma, hemangioma, lipoma, juvenile papillomatosis, pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia, and syringomatous adenoma: Guidelines for clinical practice]

OBJECTIVES

To provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available, concerning rare benign breast tumors: Abrikossoff (granular cell tumor), erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, cytosteatonecrosis, fibromatosis (desmoid tumor), galactocele, hamartoma, hemangioma, lipoma, juvenile papillomatosis, pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia, and syringomatous adenoma.

METHODS

Bibliographical search in French and English languages by consultation of Pubmed, Cochrane and international databases.

RESULTS

For erosive adenomatosis of the nipple, surgical excision is recommended to exclude Paget's disease or cancer (grade C). When surgery is performed for breast desmoid tumor or syringomatous adenoma, free margins are recommended (grade C). Without clinico-radio-histologic discordance, surgical abstention may be proposed for Abrikossoff tumor (granular cell tumor), cytosteatonecrosis, galactocele, hamartoma, hemangioma, lipoma, juvenile papillomatosis, pseudoangiomatous hyperplasia, and syringomatous adenoma (grade C).

Niche Applications of Irreversible Electroporation

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) induces cell death by exposing it to high-voltage, low-energy DC current pulses. The mechanism of cell death and healing is a departure from the other existing technologies such as radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and cryoablation. These thermal ablative technologies have several applications in oncology but have limitations that have also been established. IRE has shown promise to overcome some of these limitations and has enabled the use of an ablative technology in treating lesions close to the bile ducts and vasculature and in organs such as the pancreas. This review highlights some of the niche applications of IRE and the data so far.

Next-generation sequencing is highly sensitive for the detection of beta-catenin mutations in desmoid-type fibromatoses

Desmoid-type fibromatoses are locally aggressive and frequently recurrent tumours, and an accurate diagnosis is essential for patient management. The majority of sporadic lesions harbour beta-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations. We used next-generation sequencing to detect CTNNB1 mutations and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of next-generation sequencing with currently employed mutation detection techniques: mutation-specific restriction enzyme digestion and polymerase chain reaction amplification. DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded needle biopsy or resection tissue sections from 144 patients with sporadic desmoid-type fibromatoses, four patients with syndrome-related desmoid-type fibromatoses and 11 morphological mimics. Two primer pairs were designed for CTNNB1 mutation hotspots. Using ≥10 ng of DNA, libraries were generated by Fluidigm and sequenced on the Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine. Next-generation sequencing had a sensitivity of 92.36 % (133/144, 95 % CIs: 86.74 to 96.12 %) and a specificity of 100 % for the detection of CTNNB1 mutations in desmoid-type fibromatoses-like spindle cell lesions. All mutations detected by mutation-specific restriction enzyme digestion were identified by next-generation sequencing. Next-generation sequencing identified additional mutations in 11 tumours that were not detected by mutation-specific restriction enzyme digestion, two of which have not been previously described. Next-generation sequencing is highly sensitive for the detection of CTNNB1 mutations. This multiplex assay has the advantage of detecting additional mutations compared to those detected by mutation-specific restriction enzyme digestion (sensitivity 82.41 %). The technology requires minimal DNA and is time- and cost-efficient.

The multidisciplinary management of bone and soft tissue sarcoma: an essential organizational framework

The rarity of bone and soft tissue sarcoma, the difficulty in interpretation of imaging and histology, the plethora of treatment modalities, and the complexity and intensity of the treatment contribute to the need for systematic multidisciplinary team management of patients with these diseases. An integrated multidisciplinary clinic and team with a structured sarcoma tumor board facilitate team coordination and communication. This paper reviews the rationale for multidisciplinary management of sarcoma and details the operational structure of the Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Clinic and Sarcoma Tumor Board. The structured Multidisciplinary Sarcoma Tumor Board provides opportunity for improvement in logistics, teaching, quality, and enrollment in clinical trials.

Large desmoid-type fibromatosis of the shoulder girdle: operative approach selection and clinic outcome

PURPOSE

Surgical resection of large desmoid-type fibromatosis (DTF) of the shoulder girdle is challenging. This article discusses the operative approach and evaluates the clinic outcome.

METHOD

Twenty-one cases between June 2003 and June 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. Eleven patients newly diagnosed and ten had previous operations. Mean tumour size was 10.5 cm (range, 7.0-19.0 cm). We divided the shoulder girdle into four regions; the adopted surgical resection was en bloc in 18 cases and piecemeal resection in three. In nine cases we took an anterior approach, ten a posterior approach and two a combined anteroposterior (AP) approach. Brachytherapy with permanent I(125) implantation was applied in all cases.

RESULT

All 21 patients were followed up for a mean of 49.8 (range, 18-136) months. Recurrence was seen in two patients, with the overall recurrence rate of 9.5 %. The Musculoskeletal Tumour Score (MSTS) was between 56.7 and 96.7 %, with the average at 78.9 % and excellent-good rate 95.2 %. Complications were found in three of the 21 patients (14.3 %).

CONCLUSION

Surgical resection with the precondition of preserving vital structure for large DTF of the shoulder girdle is necessary. According to our new partition, it was suitable to take an anterior approach when regions I or I + II were involved, posterior approach for regions II, III or II + III; combined AP approach when involving region I + II + III; and anterior or posterior approach for region IV, depending upon tumour location.