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.
Department of Medicine, Thomas Jefferson School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
A J
AJ
Weiss
R D
RD
Lackman
D000328:Adult; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001132:Arm; D005260:Female; D005350:Fibroma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; D010386:Pelvic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D012074:Remission Induction; D013899:Thoracic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D014747:Vinblastine / Q000008:administration & dosage
D014747:Vinblastine; D008727:Methotrexate