# Unraveling the Mystery of Desmoid Tumors: Insights From a Moroccan Tertiary Center

## TL;DR

This study examines 14 desmoid tumor cases in Morocco, highlighting treatment challenges and the lack of standardized protocols for these rare, aggressive tumors.

## Contribution

This is the first retrospective study on desmoid tumors in Moroccan patients at a tertiary care center.

## Key findings

- Most tumors were located in the extremities, and the majority of patients were female.
- Surgical trauma and familial adenomatous polyposis were identified as risk factors in two patients.
- Treatment approaches included surgery, radiotherapy, systemic therapy, and active surveillance.

## Abstract

Desmoid tumors (DTs) are rare, aggressive malignancies developing from clonal fibroblastic proliferation originating from soft tissues. Despite their low metastatic potential, their invasiveness towards neighboring organs and a high recurrence rate contribute significantly to morbidity and mortality, thereby impacting the quality of life of patients. Several therapeutic options are available, but standardized protocols are lacking. In this study, we reviewed 14 cases of DT retrospectively over a period of 15 years, from September 2008 to December 2023. The most prevalent tumor locations were in the extremities, and the majority of patients were female. We identified risk factors in two patients, those being surgical trauma and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Half of the patients underwent surgery for DT, and two received salvage radiotherapy. Systemic therapy was used in the first and second lines and comprised of chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAI).

Active surveillance was proposed in three patients. This is the first retrospective study to assess the characteristics of DT in Moroccan patients in a tertiary care setting. It aims to shed light on the challenges faced in treating these rare tumors in the context of a lack of therapeutic standardization.