Factors predicting local recurrence of desmoid tumours including proliferating cell nuclear antigen

Background: A series of 24 patients with desmoid tumours were studied to determine factors predicting local recurrence, and to establish whether these desmoid tumours were oestrogen receptor-positive or -negative. Methods: Histology was reviewed and immunohistochemical studies were undertaken. Risk factors for local recurrence were analysed. Results: The findings indicate that the 24 desmoid tumours were oestrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-negative. Most tumours were proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive, and positivity was graded by percentage of cells staining and the intensity of the staining. The presence of incomplete macroscopic or histological surgical resection margins did not correlate with local recurrence. Although all tumours that recurred were strongly PCNA-positive with a high percentage of positive cell staining, this trend was not significant. Local recurrence was more common in desmoid tumours arising in extra-abdominal sites (P = 0.03). Extra-abdominal desmoid tumours were significantly more likely to have incomplete histological margins following resection (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Desmoid tumours are oestrogen receptor- and progesterone receptor-negative. Of factors analysed for local recurrence, only the extra-abdominal site was significant.