Illustration of myofibroblasts receding under the influence of a radiant wave.

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors: A Ray of Hope with Infliximab

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Rare Peritoneal Tumor Shows Promising Response to Infliximab Treatment: A Case Study"

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are uncommon growths that can appear in various parts of the body. These tumors are characterized by a mix of myofibroblasts (a type of cell involved in wound healing) and inflammatory cells. While IMTs are often benign, they can sometimes behave aggressively, making them difficult to treat.

When an IMT develops in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity), it poses unique challenges. These tumors can be hard to distinguish from cancerous growths and tend to recur after treatment. Traditional approaches involve surgery, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids, but these aren't always effective.

This article explores a promising alternative: infliximab, a medication that targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF). We'll delve into a case study where infliximab successfully treated a patient with a peritoneal IMT that resisted other therapies. This offers new hope for individuals facing this rare and challenging condition.

When Standard Treatments Fail: The Infliximab Option

Illustration of myofibroblasts receding under the influence of a radiant wave.

The case study featured a 30-year-old woman with no significant medical history who presented with persistent abdominal pain and swelling. Imaging revealed multiple nodular lesions in her peritoneum, and a biopsy confirmed an IMT diagnosis. Due to the extensive involvement of the peritoneum, surgical removal was not feasible, and initial treatment with NSAIDs and glucocorticoids proved ineffective.

Given the lack of response and the tumor's aggressive behavior, the medical team turned to infliximab. Here's why this approach was considered:

Targeting TNF: Infliximab is a TNF inhibitor, meaning it blocks the action of TNF, a protein that promotes inflammation. IMTs often have an inflammatory component, so targeting TNF can help reduce tumor growth.
Previous Success: A similar case reported successful infliximab treatment for an IMT, providing a rationale for its use in this situation.
Well-Established Safety: Infliximab is widely used for rheumatological conditions and Crohn's disease, with a well-understood safety profile.

Following infliximab treatment, the patient experienced significant improvement. Her abdominal pain and distension decreased, allowing her to return to work. Follow-up imaging showed stabilization or partial regression of the tumors, along with a reduction in ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen). This case suggests infliximab can be a valuable option for managing peritoneal IMTs when other treatments fail.

Hope for the Irresecable: The Future of IMT Treatment

This case study offers a beacon of hope for patients with peritoneal IMTs that cannot be surgically removed. While more research is needed, infliximab appears to be a promising therapeutic option in these challenging cases.

The successful outcome highlights the importance of considering targeted therapies like TNF inhibitors when conventional treatments fall short. By understanding the underlying mechanisms driving IMT growth, we can develop more effective and personalized treatment strategies.

If you or a loved one is facing an IMT diagnosis, discuss the potential benefits of infliximab with your medical team. While it's not a guaranteed cure, it may offer a chance to improve quality of life and manage this rare and complex condition.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.4067/s0034-98872015000700017, Alternate LINK

Title: Tumor Inflamatorio Miofibroblástico Peritoneal. Respuesta Favorable Asociada A Infliximab: Caso Clínico

Subject: General Medicine

Journal: Revista médica de Chile

Publisher: SciELO Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo (ANID)

Authors: Daniela Grünholz, Franco Appiani, Constanza Abarca, María Manríquez, Jorge Pinilla, Eduardo Wainstein

Published: 2015-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly are Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors (IMTs)?

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) are unusual growths composed of myofibroblasts and inflammatory cells, which can appear in different areas of the body. They are often benign but may sometimes exhibit aggressive behavior. The specific focus here is on IMTs that develop in the peritoneum, the abdominal cavity's lining. This location adds complexity, as these tumors can be mistaken for cancerous growths and tend to return after initial treatments. Understanding the nature of IMTs is the first step in considering effective treatments.

How does Infliximab work in treating Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors (IMTs)?

Infliximab is a medication that works by targeting tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a protein that encourages inflammation. In the context of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs), which often have a strong inflammatory component, inhibiting TNF can help reduce tumor growth. The rationale for using Infliximab is based on its ability to block the action of TNF, providing a potential means of controlling the aggressive nature of IMTs. This approach contrasts with traditional methods that may not always be effective, offering a new therapeutic avenue.

What are the typical treatments for IMTs, and what challenges do they present?

Standard treatments for inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) in the peritoneum typically involve surgery, anti-inflammatory drugs, and steroids. However, these methods are not always successful. The challenges are more pronounced when tumors are difficult to remove surgically or when they recur following treatment. This case study showcases a situation where these standard approaches proved ineffective, highlighting the critical need for alternative therapies.

What is the significance of this case study regarding Infliximab and IMTs?

The significance of the case study lies in the successful use of Infliximab in a patient whose peritoneal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) resisted standard treatments. The positive outcomes included a reduction in pain and swelling, along with the stabilization or partial regression of the tumors and a decrease in ascites. This positive response demonstrates Infliximab's potential to manage aggressive IMTs when other options fail, indicating a shift toward innovative therapies for a challenging condition.

What is the future outlook for Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor (IMT) treatment based on this information?

This case study provides hope for individuals with peritoneal inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors (IMTs) that are inoperable. While more research is needed to validate these findings, the successful application of Infliximab offers a promising treatment approach for difficult cases. This opens new possibilities in the treatment of these uncommon and challenging conditions, suggesting that targeted therapies can offer better outcomes when standard methods are not sufficient.