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The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation

December 2017

Radiation Therapy for Aggressive Fibromatosis: The Association Between Local Control and Age

Author Information

Bates JE(1), Morris CG(1), Iovino NM(1), Rutenberg M(2), Zlotecki RA(1), Gibbs CP(3), Scarborough M(3), Indelicato DJ(4)

(1)Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida. (2)Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida. (3)Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida. (4)Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida.

Publication

Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys

Summary

Radiation therapy (RT) is often used in the treatment of unresectable or recurrent aggressive fibromatosis (also known as desmoid tumor) typically with excellent local control. Prior reports have suggested that local control in pediatric patients with aggressive fibromatosis is poor. We aimed to report a long-term single-institution experience with the radiotherapeutic treatment of these tumors with a focus on age-dependent outcomes. A total of 101 patients treated with RT for aggressive fibromatosis between 1975 and 2015 at a single institution were identified. Overall survival was excellent (98% and 95% at 5 and 10 years, respectively); local control was likewise excellent (82% and 78% at 5 and 10 years, respectively). Patients aged <20 years at diagnosis had significantly worse 5-year local control than those aged >40 years at diagnosis (72% vs 97%; hazard ratio, 9.0; P = .009). RT for aggressive fibromatosis offers excellent local control and should remain the standard of care for patients with unresectable or recurrent disease. Younger patients have diminished local control relative to older patients, suggesting possible biological differences contributing to radioresistance in the pediatric and young adult population.

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