Modification of growth of desmoid tumours in tissue culture by anti-oestrogenic substances: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND

Tamoxifen and toremifene have been used in patients with advanced desmoid tumours with response rates of 51%.

METHODS

We developed an experimental model of desmoid tumour cells in tissue culture to study their effect. Four cell lines were established in tissue culture. All native and corresponding cultured tumours were oestrogen receptor negative. Tumour 1 was from a 22 year old with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and recurrent abdominal wall desmoid tumours. She remains disease free on tamoxifen 4 years following surgery. Both her mother and sister also have shown regression of their FAP-associated desmoid tumours at the menopause and on tamoxifen, respectively. We assessed the effect of tamoxifen on desmoid tumours in tissue culture at 780 ng/mL. The results were assessed by cell density counting.

RESULTS

Tumours 1 and 2 have responded with an approximately. 50% reduction in growth to tamoxifen at 780 ng/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

This apparent growth inhibitory effect of tamoxifen on two desmoid tumour cell lines appears to be independent of oestrogen and correlates with the in vivo effect of tamoxifen on three desmoid tumours in an FAP family.