Desmoplastic Tumors

Treatment

Desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT) are treated first with chemotherapy, then with surgery to remove the tumor, if possible. Radiation therapy is sometimes given, depending on the tumor. In addition, some people with DSRCT are candidates for a bone marrow transplant.

Chemotherapy

A combination of cancer-fighting drugs attacks tumors wherever they may be in the body. The timing of chemotherapy and surgery is coordinated if the patient receives both treatments.

Surgery

Surgeons will remove the tumor if it is safe to do so. Chemotherapy and radiation may be given before or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Surgeons will remove the tumor if it is feasible to do so without causing disability or disfigurement.

Radiation

Radiation oncologists apply high-energy external beam radiation to tissues containing cancer cells. Radiation may be used as a supplement to surgery, delivered before or after surgery, or for cases when the tumor cannot be safely removed. Depending upon the tumor's size, shape and location, tumors are treated using 3-D conformal radiation therapy or intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), both highly precise technologies.

Bone Marrow Transplant

In bone marrow transplant (BMT), healthy stem cells are collected from a donor (usually a relative) or from the person with the tumor, then stored until needed. Read more about bone marrow transplants at Mayo Clinic.