Desmoid tumor control with liposomal doxorubicin: a dual-center retrospective analysis

Desmoid tumors are rare, locally aggressive tumors that are often life-affecting with a significant burden on afflicted patients. While systemic therapy for progressive disease is often preferred, there is a paucity of studies comparing disease control rates of agents based on tumor location or other disease-related factors.

Dual-center retrospective analysis of disease control in patients with intra-abdominal (IA) and extra-abdominal (EA) desmoid tumors who received liposomal doxorubicin (LD). Disease control rate (DCR) was defined as stable disease (if evidence of progression prior to LD therapy) or partial response.

54 patients were included, 38.9% (21/54) with IA desmoid tumors and 35.2% (19/54) with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)-associated desmoid tumors. DCRs for patients with IA and EA desmoid tumors were 76.2% and 45.5%, respectively (odds ratio 3.80; p = 0.03). The DCR for patients with FAP-associated desmoid tumors was 73.7%, compared to 48.6% for those without FAP (odds ratio 2.96, p = 0.09). Mean times to next treatment were 80.5 weeks and 36.3 weeks for patients with and without FAP.

LD is effective and well-tolerated with a high potential for tumor control and prolonged duration of time until next treatment, especially in patients with FAP and IA desmoid tumors.