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Yang Q, Madueke-Laveaux OS, Cun H, Wlodarczyk M, Garcia N, Carvalho KC, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:1106. [PMID: 38994959 PMCID: PMC11240800 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is the most common subtype of uterine sarcomas. They have a poor prognosis with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The five-year survival for uLMS patients is between 25 and 76%, with survival rates approaching 10-15% for patients with metastatic disease at the initial diagnosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that several biological pathways are involved in uLMS pathogenesis. Notably, drugs that block abnormal functions of these pathways remarkably improve survival in uLMS patients. However, due to chemotherapy resistance, there remains a need for novel drugs that can target these pathways effectively. In this review article, we provide an overview of the recent progress in ascertaining the biological functions and regulatory mechanisms in uLMS from the perspective of aberrant biological pathways, including DNA repair, immune checkpoint blockade, protein kinase and intracellular signaling pathways, and the hedgehog pathway. We review the emerging role of epigenetics and epitranscriptome in the pathogenesis of uLMS. In addition, we discuss serum markers, artificial intelligence (AI) combined with machine learning, shear wave elastography, current management and medical treatment options, and ongoing clinical trials for patients with uLMS. Comprehensive, integrated, and deeper insights into the pathobiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of uLMS will help develop novel strategies to treat patients with this aggressive tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Han Cun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marta Wlodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1B, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Garcia
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Katia Candido Carvalho
- Laboratório de Ginecologia Estrutural e Molecular (LIM 58), Disciplina de Ginecologia, Departamento deObstetricia e Ginecologia, Hospital das Clinicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Sao Paulo (HCFMUSP), São Paulo 05403-010, Brazil
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Guo J, Zheng J, Tong J. Potential Markers to Differentiate Uterine Leiomyosarcomas from Leiomyomas. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:1227-1240. [PMID: 38818470 PMCID: PMC11134592 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.93464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (ULM) are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia, while uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are rare. The sarcoma is diffuse growth, prone to hematogenous metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Due to their similar clinical symptoms and morphological features, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them, and the final diagnosis depends on histological diagnosis. Misdiagnosis of ULM as ULMS will lead to more invasive and extensive surgery when it is not needed, while misdiagnosis of ULMS as ULM may lead to delayed treatment and poor prognosis. This review searched and studied the published articles on ULM and ULMS, and summarized the potential markers for the differential diagnosis of ULMS. These markers will facilitate differential diagnosis and personalized treatment, providing timely diagnosis and potentially better prognosis for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialu Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, 310003 Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Jianfeng Zheng
- Department of Gynecology, Clinical Oncology School of Fujian Medical University, Fujian Cancer Hospital, 350014 Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jinyi Tong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, 310003 Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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Garcia N, Ulin M, Yang Q, Ali M, Bosland MC, Zeng W, Chen L, Al-Hendy A. Survivin-Sodium Iodide Symporter Reporter as a Non-Invasive Diagnostic Marker to Differentiate Uterine Leiomyosarcoma from Leiomyoma. Cells 2023; 12:2830. [PMID: 38132150 PMCID: PMC10741838 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) has been challenging to diagnose because of limitations in clinical and radiographic predictors, as well as the lack of reliable serum or urinary biomarkers. Most uterine masses consist of benign leiomyoma (LM). However, it is currently a significant challenge in gynecology practice to differentiate LMS from LM. This inability poses grave consequences for patients, leading to a high number of unnecessary hysterectomies, infertility, and other major morbidities and possible mortalities. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Survivin-Sodium iodide symporter (Ad-Sur-NIS) as a reporter gene biomarker to differentiate malignant LMS from benign LM by using an F18-NaBF4 PET/CT scan. The PET/CT scan images showed a significantly increased radiotracer uptake and a decreased radiotracer decay attributable to the higher abundance of Ad-Sur-NIS in the LMS tumors compared to LM (p < 0.05). An excellent safety profile was observed, with no pathological or metabolic differences detected in Ad-Sur-NIS-treated animal versus the vehicle control. Ad-Sur-NIS as a PET scan reporter is a promising imaging biomarker that can differentiate uterine LMS from LM using F18-NaBF4 as a radiotracer. As a new diagnostic method, the F18 NaBF4 PET/CT scan can provide a much-needed tool in clinical practices to effectively triage women with suspicious uterine masses and avoid unnecessary invasive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Garcia
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mara Ulin
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL 11537, USA
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Maarten C. Bosland
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA;
| | - Weiqiao Zeng
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Liaohai Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; (N.G.); (M.U.); (Q.Y.); (M.A.); (W.Z.); (L.C.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Advances in the Preoperative Identification of Uterine Sarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143517. [PMID: 35884577 PMCID: PMC9318633 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary As a lethal malignant tumor, uterine sarcomas lack specific diagnostic criteria due to their similar presentation with uterine fibroids, clinicians are prone to make the wrong diagnosis or adopt incorrect treatment methods, which leads to rapid tumor progression and increased metastatic propensity. In recent years, with the improvement of medical level and awareness of uterine sarcoma, more and more studies have proposed new methods for preoperative differentiation of uterine sarcoma and uterine fibroids. This review outlines the up-to-date knowledge about preoperative differentiation of uterine sarcoma and uterine fibroids, including laboratory tests, imaging examinations, radiomics and machine learning-related methods, preoperative biopsy, integrated model and other relevant emerging technologies, and provides recommendations for future research. Abstract Uterine sarcomas are rare malignant tumors of the uterus with a high degree of malignancy. Their clinical manifestations, imaging examination findings, and laboratory test results overlap with those of uterine fibroids. No reliable diagnostic criteria can distinguish uterine sarcomas from other uterine tumors, and the final diagnosis is usually only made after surgery based on histopathological evaluation. Conservative or minimally invasive treatment of patients with uterine sarcomas misdiagnosed preoperatively as uterine fibroids will shorten patient survival. Herein, we will summarize recent advances in the preoperative diagnosis of uterine sarcomas, including epidemiology and clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, imaging examinations, radiomics and machine learning-related methods, preoperative biopsy, integrated model and other relevant emerging technologies.
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Yang Q, Ciebiera M, Bariani MV, Ali M, Elkafas H, Boyer TG, Al-Hendy A. Comprehensive Review of Uterine Fibroids: Developmental Origin, Pathogenesis, and Treatment. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:678-719. [PMID: 34741454 PMCID: PMC9277653 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are benign monoclonal neoplasms of the myometrium, representing the most common tumors in women worldwide. To date, no long-term or noninvasive treatment option exists for hormone-dependent uterine fibroids, due to the limited knowledge about the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and development of uterine fibroids. This paper comprehensively summarizes the recent research advances on uterine fibroids, focusing on risk factors, development origin, pathogenetic mechanisms, and treatment options. Additionally, we describe the current treatment interventions for uterine fibroids. Finally, future perspectives on uterine fibroids studies are summarized. Deeper mechanistic insights into tumor etiology and the complexity of uterine fibroids can contribute to the progress of newer targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Yang
- Qiwei Yang, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, M167, Billings, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
| | - Michal Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, ul. Cegłowska 80, 01-809, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Hoda Elkafas
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Egyptian Drug Authority, formerly National Organization for Drug Control and Research, Cairo 35521, Egypt
| | - Thomas G Boyer
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229-3900, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Correspondence: Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, Ph.D. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, N112, Peck Pavilion, Chicago, IL 60637. USA.
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Ciebiera M, Włodarczyk M, Zgliczyński S, Łoziński T, Walczak K, Czekierdowski A. The Role of miRNA and Related Pathways in Pathophysiology of Uterine Fibroids-From Bench to Bedside. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21083016. [PMID: 32344726 PMCID: PMC7216240 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21083016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. Their prevalence usually is estimated at 30-40%, but may reach up to 70-80% in predisposed groups of women. UFs may cause various clinical issues which might constitute the major reason of the overall deterioration of the quality of life. The mechanisms leading to UFs formation and growth still remain poorly understood. The transformation of smooth muscle cells of the uterus into abnormal, immortal cells, capable of clonal division, is thought to be a starting point of all pathways leading to UF formation. Micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are non-coding single-stranded RNAs about 22 nucleotides in length, that regulate gene expression. One of recent advances in this field is the comprehension of the role of miRNAs in tumorigenesis. Alterations in the levels of miRNAs are related to the formation and growth of several tumors which show a distinct miRNA signature. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data about the role of miRNAs in the pathophysiology of UFs. We also discuss future directions in the miRNA research area with an emphasis on novel diagnostic opportunities or patient-tailored therapies. In our opinion data concerning the regulation of miRNA and its gene targets in the UFs are still insufficient in comparison with gynecological malignancies. The potential translational use of miRNA and derived technologies in the clinical care is at the early phase and needs far more evidence. However, it is one of the main areas of interest for the future as the use of miRNAs in the diagnostics and treatment of UFs is a new and exciting opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-607-155-177
| | - Marta Włodarczyk
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacogenomics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
- Center for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Stanisław Zgliczyński
- Department of Internal Diseases and Endocrinology, Central Teaching Clinical Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Łoziński
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pro-Familia Hospital, 35-302 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Klaudia Walczak
- Students’ Scientific Association at the Department of Endocrinology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Artur Czekierdowski
- Department of Gynecological Oncology and Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-081 Lublin, Poland;
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