OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the efficacy of toremifene in terms of tumor response rate and symptom relief in patients with desmoid tumors. II. Determine the safety of this regimen in these patients. III. Determine the quality of life of patients treated with this regimen.

OUTLINE: Patients are stratified by gender. Patients receive oral toremifene daily until complete or maximal response in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients achieving maximal response undergo complete resection of all lesions, if feasible. Nonsurgical candidates with severe or life-threatening disease not achieving partial or complete response or symptom relief at 12 months may continue on toremifene at the discretion of the study chairperson. Patients with stable disease who do not undergo surgery may continue on toremifene for a maximum of 12 months at the discretion of the treating physician. Patients who continue to experience symptom relief at 12 months may continue on toremifene at the discretion of the study chairperson. Quality of life is assessed at baseline and at 2 and 6 months. Patients are followed every 8 weeks for 4 years and then annually thereafter.

PROJECTED ACCRUAL: A total of 24-72 (12-36 per stratum) will be accrued for this study.