Systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy for desmoid in familial adenomatous polyposis

Forty-two of 416 familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) patients in the FAP registry at the Cleveland Clinic had desmoid tumors. The role of cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation therapy in the management of these patients was investigated. Eight intra-abdominal desmoid tumors were treated by systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy. Two had complete remission, and one had partial remission. Five patients died as a result of the desmoid tumor or late complications of chemotherapy. Three intra-abdominal desmoids were treated by radiation therapy with no response. Neither cytotoxic chemotherapy nor radiation therapy is recommended as a first-choice treatment for intra-abdominal desmoid tumors in patients with FAP.