Hormonal manipulation with toremifene in sporadic desmoid-type fibromatosis. Issue 18 (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fiore, Marco; Colombo, Chiara; Radaelli, Stefano; Callegaro, Dario; Palassini, Elena; Barisella, Marta; Morosi, Carlo; Baldi, Giacomo G.; Stacchiotti, Silvia; Casali, Paolo G.; Gronchi, Alessandro
• Is Part Of: European journal of cancer. Volume 51:Issue 18(2015:Dec.)
• Page Start: 2800
• Page End: 2807
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Desmoid-type fibromatosis -- Aggressive fibromatosis -- Soft tissue sarcoma -- Toremifene -- Hormonal therapy; Cancer -- Periodicals; Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Cancer -- Périodiques; Cancer; Tumors; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 616.994
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.08.026
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-8049

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Many patients affected by desmoid-type fibromatosis (DF) are treated with a course of hormonal therapy as front line. So far, tamoxifene has been the preferred choice. Toremifene is an anti-oestrogen agent, but possible further mechanisms of action in desmoids are related to its role in regulation of transforming growth factor-beta and β-catenin pathways. Material and methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients treated with toremifene between 2005 and 2012 at a reference institution. Indication to toremifene was radiologically progressive disease and/or symptomatic deterioration. Progression-free survival (PFS), clinical benefit (CB) and safety profile were analysed. Results: Forty-four patients were treated with toremifene 180 mg daily, 20 for radiological progression, 16 for pain and 8 for both. In 28 patients, toremifene was offered as front-line therapy, while in 11 after tamoxifen failure. PFS was 89.6% at 2 years. According to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours, partial response, stable disease and disease progression were observed in 25%, 65% and 10% of the patients, respectively. Symptomatic relief was obtained in 75% of patients. Median time to response was 4 months. Overall CB was 86%. Adverse events G≥2 according to National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria were recorded in ten patients. Discussion: Present series provides evidence to make toremifene an option in patients with DF, even after failure on different hormonal agents. A prospective trial is ongoing to confirm these results. Highlights: We analysed patients treated with toremifene for desmoid-type fibromatosis. Toremifene is an anti-oestrogen and possibly influences transforming growth factor-beta and β-catenin pathways. Toremifene obtained a clinical benefit (CB) in 86% of patients. Toremifene obtained CB also after tamoxifen failure. Safety profile of toremifene at 180 mg/d was acceptable.