The efficacy of low-power cumulative high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for recurrent desmoid tumor.

Background: Desmoid tumors are rare neoplasms that are locally invasive. However, optimal treatment strategies for recurrent desmoid tumors remain controversial. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been reported as a noninvasive modality for treating recurrent desmoid tumors. However, its efficacy against massive desmoid tumors or those with complex anatomies remains unclear.

Methods: We developed a new therapeutic strategy called low-power cumulative HIFU and applied it to treat recurrent desmoid tumors.

Results: We retrospectively collected data from 91 patients with recurrent desmoid tumors who underwent low-power cumulative HIFU treatment after surgical treatment failure. The mean ablation proportion of the HIFU treatment was 69.5%, and the objective response rate was 47.3%. The 5-year estimated progression-free survival rate for these patients was 69.3%.

Conclusion: Low-power cumulative HIFU treatment could achieve significant efficacy and long-term control of recurrent desmoid tumors.