Other names: IMT; Inflammatory Fibrosarcoma; Inflammatory Pseudotumor

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors are very rare, usually non-cancerous soft tissue tumors that are composed of myofibroblast-differentiated spindle cells accompanied by numerous inflammatory cells, plasma cells, and/or lymphocytes. The inflammatory cells make the tumors look 'inflamed' like an infection.

The underlying cause of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors is poorly understood, however some cases have been linked to translocations involving the ALK gene.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors usually develop in children or young adults, but can affect people of any age.

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors can occur in almost any part of the body, but are most commonly found in the lung, eye socket, peritoneum, and mesentery. Signs and symptoms vary depending on the site of the tumor. Some people are asymptomatic, while others may have nonspecific respiratory symptoms, fever, or pain.

Treatment of an inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor depends on where the tumor is located, which proteins it makes, and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. 

Xalkori (crizotinib) is approved for the treatment of unresectable, recurrent, or refractory ALK-positive inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors in adult and pediatric patients 1 year of age and older.

Drugs used to treat Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors