Cryotherapy in the Treatment of Extra-Abdominal Desmoid Tumors-A Review

Summary

The management of desmoid tumors (DTs) often poses challenges due to their variable clinical behavior, with treatment options including active surveillance, systemic therapy, and local therapies including surgery, ablation, and radiation. More recently, cryotherapy has emerged as a promising localized treatment for DTs. We aimed to conduct a review of the indications, techniques, and outcomes of cryotherapy in the treatment of extra-abdominal DTs. The review suggests that cryotherapy can be effectively used for both curative and debulking purposes, with a significant number of patients achieving symptom relief, disease stabilization, or regression. Although generally safe, cryotherapy is associated with potential risks, particularly when critical structures are in proximity. Overall, cryotherapy offers a viable, minimally invasive treatment option for DTs, with favorable outcomes in both symptom relief and tumor control.