Low-dose chemotherapy of desmoid tumors

Eight patients with desmoid tumors, symptomatic, and none a candidate for conservative surgery, were treated with weekly vinblastine, maximum dose 10 mg/week, and methotrexate, maximum dose 50 mg/week. Symptomatic relief was obtained in all patients. Using Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) criteria, two patients had a complete remission, one of which has lasted for 30 months, four patients have had partial remissions, one patient has had a mixed response, and one patient who has been treated for only 4 weeks, a minimal response. Toxicity has been minor and transient. Chemotherapy appears to be an acceptable alternative to radical surgery in selected patients with desmoid tumors.