source: Clinical journal of gastroenterology

year: 2009

authors: Yuji Toiyama, Naomi Konishi, Yasuhiro Inoue, Shigeyuki Yoshiyama, Chikao Miki, Masato Kusunoki, Toshimitsu Araki

We describe a case of multiple desmoid tumors (DT) that developed in an ileal J pouch, which were successfully treated by low-dose combination chemotherapy using vinblastine (VBL) and methotrexate (MTX). Serial changes in the serum D-dimer levels reflected the treatment response. DT involving both the abdominal wall and the ileal pouch developed after total proctocolectomy with ileoanal anastomosis for familial adenomatous polyposis in a 26-year-old female who was treated in an outpatient unit with low-dose VBL and MTX biweekly for 12 months. The treatment response was assessed at routine intervals by physical examination and abdominal computer tomography (CT) imaging. We assessed serial changes in plasma D-dimers, a potential marker for angiogenic activity, during the low-dose VBL and MTX treatment. DT were successfully treated with low-dose VBL and MTX chemotherapy without any significant side effects or pouch sacrifice. Abdominal CT imaging revealed a decrease in tumor size, and the plasma D-dimer levels decreased in association with tumor regression. This case report shows the efficacy of a low-dose combination chemotherapeutic regimen of VBL and MTX for the treatment of ileoanal pouch mesenteric DT in an outpatient setting. In addition, plasma D-dimers may be a marker for desmoid tumor treatment efficacy.