Desmoplastic small round cell tumor

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an ultra-rare, fusion-driven sarcoma with a dismal prognosis despite multimodal therapy. Most patients present with advanced intra-abdominal and/or metastatic disease at diagnosis, and long-term survival remains uncommon. This review summarizes recent advances in the molecular and biological understanding of DSRCT. It highlights current diagnostic and therapeutic standards, and discusses emerging targeted and immunotherapeutic strategies with translational relevance.

DSRCT is defined by the pathognomonic EWSR1::WT1 fusion, which acts as an aberrant transcription factor driving oncogenesis. Although there is no consensus standard of care, multimodal strategies combining dose-intense chemotherapy, complete cytoreductive surgery, and whole abdominopelvic radiotherapy remain the cornerstone of management when feasible. However, outcomes remain poor, particularly in patients with extra-peritoneal disease. Recent genomic studies have identified actionable vulnerabilities, including dysregulation of the angiogenic pathways, and IGF axis. In parallel, innovative immunotherapeutic approaches - particularly antibody-drug conjugates targeting HER2 and B7-H3 - have shown encouraging early signals of activity.

Despite multimodal treatment, DSRCT remains a highly lethal malignancy. Advances in molecular characterization are reshaping the therapeutic landscape and supporting the development of targeted strategies, especially antibody-drug conjugates. Enrollment in prospective clinical trials and international collaborative efforts are essential to improve outcomes in this orphan disease.