Treatment modalities for
desmoid tumors have been changed because of the high recurrence rate, even after wide resection, and some cases experience spontaneous self-regression during
clinical course. The treatment modality in our institutions before 2003 was surgical resection with wide
surgical margin, however,
meloxicam, which is a
NSAID and a selective
COX-2 inhibitor has been applied consecutively since 2003. We reviewed the previously reported outcomes of surgical and
conservative treatment in our institutions. Among 30 patients receiving surgical treatment, 16 (53%) recurred. Younger age ( p < 0.05) was a significant poor factor. According to RECIST for
meloxicam treatment, CR was in one, PR in 10, SD in eight, PD in one evaluated at 2011. Older age ( p < 0.01) was significantly associated with good outcome for
meloxicam treatment. Results of the previous study indicated that surgical treatment alone could not control
desmoid tumors, even with
negative surgical margin. Considering the functional impairment resulting from surgery with
negative surgical margin, a conservative and effective treatment modality with fewer complications is desired.
Conservative treatment with
meloxicam is a promising novel modality for patients with extra-abdominal
desmoid tumors.