The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

July 2024

Local Treatment of Desmoid Tumors: An Update

Author Information

Lawrence Han Hwee Quek 1 2, Lester Wai Mon Chan 2 3, Uei Pua 1 4

1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. 2Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. 3Division of Musculoskeletal Tumor, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore. 4Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Publication

Semin Intervent Radiol

Summary

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare fibroblastic proliferations, characterized by infiltrative growth and a propensity for local recurrence. Traditional strategies such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy are the mainstays of treatment, each with its limitations and associated risks. The trend in DT management leans toward a "wait-and-see" strategy, emphasizing active surveillance supported by continuous MRI monitoring. This approach acknowledges the unpredictable nature of the disease, and a multidisciplinary management of DT requires a nuanced approach, integrating traditional therapies with emerging interventional techniques. This review highlights the emerging role of minimally invasive interventional radiological technologies and discusses interventional radiology techniques, including chemical, radiofrequency, microwave, cryoablation, and high-intensity focused ultrasound ablations as well as transarterial embolization.

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