Research progress of β-catenin in desmoid tumors

Also known as aggressive fibromatosis, desmoid tumor (DT) is a rare benign tumor deriving from mesenchymal tissues. Its clinical manifestation is huge and painlessness enclosed mass. It is characterized by infiltrative growth, a tendency toward local recurrence and non-ability of metastasis. Surgical excision is a major therapy in combination with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Its tumourigenesis is correlated with gene mutations of CTNNB1 and APC. Either APC or CTNNB1 mutation causes an abnormal intranuclear accumulation of β-catenin. And the latest findings of β-catenin in DT are summarized. Key words: Fibroma; Genes, APC; Signaling pathway