As many patients know first-hand, “Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors” (known as RECIST) – a standard methodology of measuring a patient’s tumor response to treatment – is not always the best method to measure treatment outcomes for desmoid patients.
RECIST criteria are used in clinical trials to assess if a tumor is progressing, stable, or responding to treatment. RECIST is strictly measurement-based and does not factor in other positive indicators that do not involve changes in tumor size. Additionally, RECIST relies on certain measurements to monitor response – such as “longest dimension” – which may not accurately reflect the typical response of desmoid tumors to treatments.
To address this issue, the DTRF and members of its Advisory Boards have formed a working group with top radiologists, as well as pharmaceutical medical professionals who design clinical trials for desmoid patients. This working group will potentially help define other imaging features beyond RECIST that can be used to better evaluate patient outcomes.
The first working group meeting held earlier this week was a resounding success. We would like to thank our working group chairs, Drs. Mrinal Gounder and Larry Schwartz, for hosting this meeting which will impact the future of radiology in desmoid tumors.
This is an ongoing project and we will keep the community updated as it develops.
