Volume 124, Issue 7 p. 1028-1037
Review Article

Uterine leiomyosarcoma: a review of recent advances in molecular biology, clinical management and outcome

RR Cui

RR Cui

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

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JD Wright

JD Wright

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

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JY Hou

Corresponding Author

JY Hou

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA

Correspondence: JY Hou, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Herbert Irving Pavilion, 161 Fort Washington Ave, Suite # 457, New York, NY 10032, USA. Email [email protected]Search for more papers by this author
First published: 27 January 2017
Citations: 49

Abstract

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) are rare but aggressive tumours with poor clinical outcomes regardless of stage. Most tumours are identified by histopathology at time of surgery, and pre-operative diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. Management of early-stage LMS relies on surgical resection. Cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the mainstay of therapy for advanced-stage, recurrent or metastatic LMS, and includes single or combination doxorubicin-, ifosfamide- or gemcitabine-based regimens. Recent interest in genetic biomarkers led to developments of targeted therapies for LMS, although more research is needed to understand the molecular complexities underlying LMS to guide the development of novel treatment strategies.

Tweetable abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of uterine LMS is challenging. Novel biomarkers offer hope for future therapies.