Chemotherapy for desmoid tumours in association with familial adenomatous polyposis: a report of three cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of chemotherapy for inoperable desmoid tumours associated with familial adenomatous polyposis.


METHODS
A review of three cases of unresectable desmoid tumours and of the literature on the subject.


METHODS
The Steven Atanas Stavro Polyposis Registry at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto.


METHODS
Three patients with symptomatic, unresectable desmoid tumours associated with familial adenomatous polyposis and unresponsive to conventional hormone therapy.


METHODS
A chemotherapy regimen of seven cycles of doxorubicin (dose ranging from 60 to 90 mg/m2) and dacarbazine (1000 mg/m2), followed by carboplatin (400 mg/m2) and dacarbazine.


METHODS
Clinical improvement and tumour regression demonstrated by computed tomography.


RESULTS
In each of the three cases significant tumour regression was seen clinically and radiologically.


CONCLUSIONS
Cytotoxic chemotherapy is an effective treatment for desmoid tumours associated with familial adenomatous polyposis. The chemotherapy should be started early in cases of symptomatic desmoid tumour unresponsive to conventional medical therapy.
Hamilton
L
L
Steve Atanas Stavro Polyposis Registry, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ont.
Blackstein
M
M
Berk
T
T
McLeod
R S
RS
Gallinger
S
S
Madlensky
L
L
Cohen
Z
Z
D011125:Adenomatous Polyposis Coli / Q000150:complications*; D000328:Adult; D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016190:Carboplatin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003082:Colectomy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003606:Dacarbazine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D018222:Desmoid Tumors / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012074:Remission Induction; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D000903:Antibiotics, Antineoplastic; D018931:Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal; D003606:Dacarbazine; D004317:Doxorubicin; D016190:Carboplatin