Role of the Interventional Radiologist in the Treatment of Desmoid Tumors

Abstract

Desmoid tumors are locally aggressive soft tissue tumors with variable clinical presentation. As is the case with most relatively rare tumors, a multidisciplinary team approach is required to best manage these patients. Surgical resection, systemic therapy, and radiation therapy have classically been mainstays of treatment for desmoid tumors; however, a more conservative “wait-and-see” approach has been adopted given their high recurrence rates and significant morbidity associated with the aforementioned therapies. Given the challenges of classical treatment methods, interventional radiologists have begun to play a significant role in minimally invasive interventions for desmoid tumors. Herein, the authors review imaging characteristics of desmoid tumors, current management recommendations, and minimally invasive therapeutic intervention options.