Indomethacin and ascorbate inhibit desmoid tumors

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Desmoid tumors are rare neoplasms characterized by aggressive fibromatosis.
• Treatment options for desmoid tumors include surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies.

Observation:

• Indomethacin demonstrated efficacy in resolving a desmoid tumor post-radiation.
• One patient experienced initial response to indomethacin, followed by ineffectiveness.
• Concurrent administration of ascorbic acid with indomethacin led to sustained tumor resolution.

Findings:

• Indomethacin monotherapy can achieve complete desmoid tumor resolution.
• Combining indomethacin with ascorbic acid resulted in slow but continuous tumor shrinkage over 14 months.
• Early initiation of indomethacin and ascorbic acid treatment led to ongoing tumor shrinkage.

Implications:

• Ascorbic acid may potentiate the anti-tumor effects of indomethacin in desmoid tumors.
• The combination of indomethacin and ascorbic acid represents a potential therapeutic strategy for desmoid tumors.
• Further research is warranted to explore the synergistic effects and optimal dosing of indomethacin and ascorbic acid.