Uterine leiomyosarcoma: 14-year two-center experience of 31 cases

2‑D08 mediates notable anticancer effects through multiple cellular pathways in uterine leiomyosarcoma cells

2',3',4'‑trihydroxyflavone (2‑D08), a SUMO E2 inhibitor, has several biological functions, including anticancer activity, but its effects on uterine leiomyosarcoma (Ut‑LMS) are unknown. The anticancer activity of 2‑D08 was explored in an in vitro model using SK‑LMS‑1 and SK‑UT‑1B cells (human Ut‑LMS cells). Treatment with 2‑D08 inhibited cell viability in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner and significantly inhibited the colony‑forming ability of Ut‑LMS cells. In SK‑UT‑1B cells treated with 2‑D08, flow cytometric analysis revealed a slight increase in apoptotic rates, while cell cycle progression remained unaffected. Western blotting revealed elevated levels of RIP1, indicating induction of necrosis, but LC3B levels remained unchanged, suggesting no effect on autophagy. A lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay confirmed increased LDH release, further supporting the induction of apoptosis and necrosis by 2‑D08 in SK‑UT‑1B cells. 2‑D08‑induced production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis progression were observed in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Using Ki67 staining and bromodeoxyuridine assays, it was found that 2‑D08 suppressed proliferation in SK‑LMS‑1 cells, while treatment for 48 h led to cell‑cycle arrest. 2‑D08 upregulated p21 protein expression in SK‑LMS‑1 cells and promoted apoptosis through caspase‑3. Evaluation of α‑SM‑actin, calponin 1 and TAGLN expression indicated that 2‑D08 did not directly initiate smooth muscle phenotypic switching in SK‑LMS‑1 cells. Transcriptome analysis on 2‑D08‑treated SK‑LMS‑1 cells identified significant differences in gene expression and suggested that 2‑D08 modulates cell‑cycle‑ and apoptosis‑related pathways. The analysis identified several differentially expressed genes and significant enrichment for biological processes related to DNA replication and molecular functions associated with the apoptotic process. It was concluded that 2‑D08 exerts antitumor effects in Ut‑LMS cells by modulating multiple signaling pathways and that 2‑D08 may be a promising candidate for the treatment of human Ut‑LMS. The present study expanded and developed knowledge regarding Ut‑LMS management and indicated that 2‑D08 represents a notable finding in the exploration of fresh treatment options for such cancerous tumors.

Epigenetic Features in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma and Endometrial Stromal Sarcomas: An Overview of the Literature

There is a consensus that epigenetic alterations play a key role in cancer initiation and its biology. Studies evaluating the modification in the DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling patterns, as well as gene regulation profile by non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have led to the development of novel therapeutic approaches to treat several tumor types. Indeed, despite clinical and translational challenges, combinatorial therapies employing agents targeting epigenetic modifications with conventional approaches have shown encouraging results. However, for rare neoplasia such as uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS), treatment options are still limited. LMS has high chromosomal instability and molecular derangements, while ESS can present a specific gene fusion signature. Although they are the most frequent types of “pure” uterine sarcomas, these tumors are difficult to diagnose, have high rates of recurrence, and frequently develop resistance to current treatment options. The challenges involving the management of these tumors arise from the fact that the molecular mechanisms governing their progression have not been entirely elucidated. Hence, to fill this gap and highlight the importance of ongoing and future studies, we have cross-referenced the literature on uterine LMS and ESS and compiled the most relevant epigenetic studies, published between 2009 and 2022.

Anti-cancer activity of the combination of cabozantinib and temozolomide in uterine sarcoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the anti-cancer effects of cabozantinib, temozolomide, and their combination in uterine sarcoma cell lines and mouse xenograft models.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Human uterine sarcoma cell lines (SK-LMS-1, SK-UT-1, MES-SA, and SKN) were used to evaluate the anti-cancer activity of cabozantinib, temozolomide, and their combination. The optimal dose of each drug was determined by MTT assay. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were assessed 48 hours and 72 hours after the drug treatments. The tumor weights were measured in an SK-LMS-1 xenograft mouse model and a patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of leiomyosarcoma treated with cabozantinib, temozolomide, or both.

RESULTS

Given individually, cabozantinib and temozolomide each significantly decreased the growth and viability of cells. This inhibitory effect was more pronounced when cabozantinib (0.50 µM) and temozolomide (0.25 mM or 0.50 mM) were co-administered (p-value < 0.05). The combination of the drugs also significantly increased apoptosis in all cells. Moreover, this effect was consistently observed in patient-derived leiomyosarcoma cells. In vivo studies with SK-LMS-1 cell xenografts and the PDX model with leiomyosarcoma demonstrated that combined treatment with cabozantinib (5 mg/kg/day, per os administration) and temozolomide (5 mg/kg/day, per os administration) synergistically decreased tumor growth (both p-values < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The addition of cabozantinib to temozolomide offers synergistic anti-cancer effects in uterine sarcoma cell lines and xenograft mouse models, including PDX. These results warrant further investigation in a clinical trial.

Impact of Chemotherapy in the Adjuvant Setting of Early Stage Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: A Systematic Review and Updated Meta-Analysis

Background: Although the use of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) appears to be increasing over the past few years, several clinical trials and previous meta-analyses failed to determine whether AC could improve clinical outcomes in uterine leiomyosarcoma (uLMS). The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to compare AC (with or without radiotherapy) versus observation (obs) after primary surgery in early stage uLMS. Materials and Methods: Randomized controlled (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRSs) were retrieved. Outcomes of interest were as follows: distant recurrence rate, locoregional recurrence rate and overall recurrence rate. Results about distant recurrence rate, locoregional recurrence rate and overall recurrence rate were compared by calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs); ORs were combined with Mantel–Haenszel method. Results: Nine studies were included in the analysis, involving 545 patients (AC: 252, obs: 293). Compared with obs, AC did not reduce locoregional and distant recurrence rate, with a pooled OR of 1.36 and 0.63, respectively. Similarly, administration of AC did not decrease overall recurrence rate in comparison to obs. Conclusion: According to our results, AC (with or without radiotherapy) did not decrease recurrence rate in early stage uLMS; thus, the role of AC in this setting remains unclear.

Prognostic factors for recurrence and survival in uterine leiomyosarcoma: Korean single center experience with 50 cases

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the possible prognostic factors in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS).

Methods

This study retrospectively investigated 50 patients with uterine LMS treated at the Samsung Medical Center between 2001 and 2017. To analyze the prognostic significance of factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS), overall survival (OS), and survival after recurrence, the log-rank test and Cox proportional hazards model were used for univariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

Of the 50 patients, 30 (60.0%) experienced recurrence and 16 (32.0%) died within a median follow-up period of 21 (range, 3-99) months. Multivariate analysis revealed that older age, absence of residual tumor after surgery, lower mitotic count, and a history of adjuvant radiotherapy at first treatment were significantly associated with better RFS. Presence of residual tumor after surgery and severe nuclear atypia were associated with poor OS. In the analysis of survival after recurrence, hematogenous recurrence, severe nuclear atypia, and presence of residual tumor at primary surgery were significantly associated with worse prognosis. Notably, residual tumor status at primary surgery was associated with RFS, OS, and survival after recurrence.

Conclusion

We demonstrated the possible prognostic factors for RFS, OS, and survival after recurrence for patients with LMS. These results may provide useful information for patients with LMS.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Trends and Factors Impacting Usage

Objectives

The benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with localized uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) remains unclear due to a lack of randomized studies and data only from small retrospective series to rely on. We sought to identify factors associated with the administration of chemotherapy and to determine the trends in the usage of adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with nonmetastatic uterine LMS.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic uterine LMS between 2004 and 2014 were identified from the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Multiple regression was used to determine factors with a significant impact on patient receipt of chemotherapy. Kaplan–Meier curves and the Cox model were used to determine the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy on overall survival (OS).

Results

2,732 uterine LMS patients were identified. Patients older than 65 were less likely to receive chemotherapy than their younger counterparts. Patients with stage I or stage II cancer were less likely to receive chemotherapy, whereas individuals with positive regional lymph nodes and those who had received radiation were more likely. In this cohort, adjuvant chemotherapy had no significant impact on OS (HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.90–1.22; P=0.5768). However, administration of chemotherapy significantly increased from 2004 to 2014 (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Expected tumor characteristics such as higher stage of tumor were associated with receipt of chemotherapy. Although adjuvant chemotherapy demonstrated no benefit over observation on OS in patients with nonmetastatic LMS, the number of patients being treated with chemotherapy continued to increase from 2004 to 2014.

Outcome and prognostic factors in 110 consecutive patients with primary uterine leiomyosarcoma: A Rare Cancer Network study

Objective

Primary uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are rare, and the optimal treatment is controversial. We aimed to assess the outcome and prognostic factors in a multicenter population of women treated for primary ULMS.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data of 110 women treated in 19 institutions of the Rare Cancer Network (RCN). Inclusion criteria consisted of a pathology report confirming the diagnosis of ULMS, aged 18-80 years, complete International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage information, complete information on treatment, and a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Local control (LC) and locoregional control (LRC), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were computed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate analysis was implemented using the log rank test, and multivariate analysis using the Cox model.

Results

All patients underwent surgery. Seventy-five patients (68%) received adjuvant radiotherapy (RT), including brachytherapy in 18 (16%). Seventeen patients (15%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. Median follow-up was 58 (range, 6-240) months. Five-year OS and DFS rates were 50% and 34%, and LC and LRC rates were 88% and 72%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, independent favorable prognostic factors were younger age, FIGO stage I, small tumor size, previous uterine disease, and no vascular invasion for OS and DFS. FIGO stage was the only favorable factor influencing LRC. Adjuvant local or systemic treatments did not improve the outcomes. Eight patients treated with RT presented a grade 3 acute toxicity, and only one patient with grade 3 late toxicity.

Conclusions

In this large population of primary ULMS patients, we found good results in terms of LC and LRC. Nevertheless, OS remains poor, mainly due to the occurrence of distant metastases. An early diagnosis seemed to improve the prognosis of the patients. Adjuvant local or systemic treatments, or more aggressive surgical procedures such as the Wertheim procedure, did not seem to impact the outcome.

Efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We sought to review the current evidence in order to test the efficacy of adjuvant chemotherapy in improving disease-free survival in patients affected by early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma.

METHODS

On July 2016, literature was searched in order to identify trials comparing different postoperative adjuvant strategies for patients diagnosed with early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma.

RESULTS

Our analysis included 360 patients: 145 (40%), 53 (15%), and 155 (43%) had chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy), radiotherapy, and observation, respectively. Seven (2%) patients who had radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy were excluded from further analysis in order to reduce risk of biases. Administration of chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) did not improve outcomes in comparison to observation (OR: 0.79 (95%CI: 0.48, 1.29)), or radiotherapy (OR: 0.90 (95%CI: 0.42, 1.94)). Loco-regional recurrence rate was similar comparing patients undergoing chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) with having observation alone (OR: 0.84 (95%CI: 0.44, 1.60)). Similarly, pooled results suggested that chemotherapy administration did not affect distant recurrence rate in comparison to no chemotherapy (OR: 0.80 (95%CI: 0.50, 1.28)), and observation alone (OR: 0.99 (95%CI: 0.60, 1.64)). However, patients undergoing chemotherapy (with or without radiotherapy) experienced a trend towards lower risk of developing distant recurrences (OR: 0.49 (95%CI: 0.24, 1.03)) and a higher risk of developing loco-regional recurrences (OR: 3.45 (95%CI: 1.02, 11.73)) than patients undergoing radiotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

In early stage uterine leiomyosarcoma, the role of adjuvant chemotherapy remains unclear. Owing to the high recurrence rate, even in the early stage of disease, further innovative therapeutic strategies have to be tested.

Current Chemotherapy and Potential New Targets in Uterine Leiomyosarcoma

A variety of chemotherapeutic agents have been used for treating recurrent or advanced stage uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS). The response rates of these current agents are disappointing, with partial response rates varying from 0% to 33%, and complete response rates varying from 0% to 8%. Recent studies have documented many molecular changes in ULMSs. Prominent amongst these are gains of growth factors C-MYC, Bcl-2, K-ras, and Ki-67, and losses in tumor suppressors p16, p53, Rb1, ING2 and D14S267. Various techniques that have been used to target these molecules are presented. Targeting specific therapies at these underlying molecular changes could potentially yield better response rates with fewer side effects.

Successful removal of uterine leiomyosarcoma tumour thrombus propagating to the right atrium

Although intravenous leiomyomatosis is widely documented, intravenous extension of leiomyosarcoma into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and subsequently into the right atrium is extremely rare. Less than five such cases have been reported in the literature worldwide. Uterine leiomyosarcoma is an aggressive smooth muscle tumour occurring with an incidence of 1% in all female genital tract cancers and comprises about 3-7% of uterine cancers. It carries a generally poor prognosis with 5-year survival rates ranging from 18.8% to 65% across all stages. We report a case of primary uterine leiomyosarcoma with intravascular tumour propagation extending to the renal vein, IVC and right atrium of the heart, which was successfully resected in a one stage operation by a multidisciplinary team. This case demonstrates the importance of preoperative radiological staging and multidisciplinary planning.

Uterine sarcomas and parasitic myomas after laparoscopic hysterectomy with power morcellation

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to describe the incidence and risk factors for uterine sarcomas and parasitic myomas at the time of power morcellation.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective review of 3523 women who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy from 2001-2012. Univariate analyses were used for the morcellation cases to identify potential risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

Nine hundred forty-one patients underwent power morcellation at the time of hysterectomy; 10 of 941 patients (1.1%) were diagnosed subsequently with uterine sarcomas or parasitic myomas. The overall incidence of uterine sarcoma was 6 of 941 (0.6%), with a median age of 47 years (range, 41-52 years). There was no association among any of the factors analyzed and uterine sarcoma. Three of 6 patients had sarcoma diagnosed on initial pathologic evaluation of the morcellated specimen; 3 patients had delayed diagnosis of sarcoma with benign disease at the time of the initial procedure (median time to second evaluation, 6 years). For parasitic myomas (n=4), the median age was 35 years (range, 32-40 years), and the median time to second evaluation was 5 years. On multivariate analysis, age<40 years (odds ratio, 26; 95% confidence interval, 2.7015-261.9; P≤.01) was associated with higher risk of the development of parasitic myomas.

CONCLUSION

Uterine sarcoma was found in 0.6% of patients who underwent power morcellation but was not found to be associated significantly with any preoperative factors. All 6 cases were noted to have apparent fibroid tumors as an indication for their hysterectomy. Age<40 years was a risk factor for parasitic myomas after power morcellation. Patients should be counseled about these complications before power morcellation.

FIGO staging for uterine sarcomas: can the revised 2008 staging system predict survival outcome better?

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare survival of patients with uterine sarcomas using the 1988 and 2008 International Federation of Gynecologists and Obstetricians (FIGO) staging systems to determine if revised 2008 staging accurately predicts patient survival.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 83 patients with leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma treated at Yonsei University Health System between March of 1989 and November of 2009 were reviewed. The prognostic validity of both FIGO staging systems, as well as other factors was analyzed.

RESULTS

Leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma comprised 47.0% and 53.0% of this study population, respectively. Using the new staging system, 43 (67.2%) of 64 eligible patients were reclassified. Among those 64 patients, 45 (70.3%) patients with limited uterine corpus involvement were divided into stage IA (n=14) and IB (n=31). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant difference between stages I and II and the other stages in both staging systems (p<0.001) with respect to progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). Age, menopausal status, tumor size, and cell type were significantly associated with OS (p=0.011, p=0.031, p=0.044, p=0.009, respectively). In multivariate analysis, revised FIGO stage greater than III was an independent poor prognostic factor with a hazard ratio of 9.06 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.49-33.0, p=0.001].

CONCLUSION

The 2008 FIGO staging system is more valid than the previous FIGO staging system for uterine sarcomas with respect to its ability to distinguish early-stage patients from advanced-stage patients.

Lung Metastasis after an Eighteen-Years-Long Disease-Free Period since Uterine Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS) is an uncommon malignancy that accounts for one-third of uterine sarcomas and represents 1% of all uterine malignancies, with an incidence averaging 0.5-1/100,000/year. The prognosis is poor due to its intrinsic aggressiveness and its characteristic high metastatic potential with reported distant metastatic spread in lung, abdomen, soft tissue, and brain. We present the case of a 67-year-old woman with lung metastasis after eighteen years since uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosis and its following surgical resection. The diagnosis of pulmonary metastases was obtained by reviewing the histology of the previous uterine tumor: the tumor cells were immunoreactive for CD10, PR, and smooth muscle actin (SMA), but negative for desmin, S100, CD34, CD 117, cytokeratins AE1AE3, CD68R, and ER. To our knowledge, this disease-free interval is the longest among previous reports of pulmonary metastasis of uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Postoperative radiotherapy improves local control and survival in patients with uterine leiomyosarcoma

Background

To examine the role of radiotherapy (RT) in uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) and to determine the patient population who may benefit from RT.

Methods

From 1998–2008, 69 patients with primary uterine LMS underwent hysterectomy with or without pelvic radiotherapy to a median dose of 45 Gy. Univariate analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and cumulative-incidence function, and multivariate analyses using Fine and Gray or Cox proportional hazard models.

Results

Following surgery, 32 out of 69 patients received RT. There was no evidence of any correlation between patient, disease and treatment characteristics and the use of RT. Median follow-up was 57 months. RT was associated with reduced local recurrence (3y LR 19% vs. 39%; Gray’s p = 0.019) and improved overall survival (3y OS 69% vs. 35%; log-rank p = 0.025) on univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that RT reduced LR (HR: 0.28, CI: 0.11-0.69, p = 0.006) and increased OS (HR: 0.44, CI: 0.23-0.85, p = 0.014) independent of other clinical and pathologic factors. Positive surgical margins increased the odds of LR (HR: 5.6, CI: 2.3-13.4, p = 0.00012). Large tumor size and advanced stage (II-IV) were associated with the development of distant metastases and inferior OS.

Conclusions

Postoperative pelvic RT reduces LR and improves OS of patients with uterine LMS.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma manifesting as a tricuspid valve mass

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignancy and carries a poorer prognosis when compared to endometrial carcinoma. It has been observed to metastasize to all the major organs. It presents with symptoms of abdominal distension, vaginal bleeding and may pass unnoticed until an advanced stage in patients with leiomyomas. Surgery is a viable option in patients with disease limited to the uterus, but metastasis to the heart may require surgery to prevent acute and catastrophic complications. The case described here involves metastasis to the tricuspid valve, which caused severe tricuspid regurgitation in the setting of acute pulmonary embolism. Surgical resection restored cardiac function and stabilized the patient. This case illustrates a rare site of metastasis of leiomyosarcoma which required immediate intervention and resulted in a favorable outcome.

Uterine sarcomas: then and now

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to provide an updated review of uterine sarcomas. The traditionally described neoplasms are reviewed as well as several recently characterized entities in terms of their imaging and clinical aspects. We attempt to provide a longitudinal imaging overview, from initial presentation to follow-up. Imaging features are also described of response to traditional therapeutic agents and newer targeted agents.

CONCLUSION

A greater understanding of the pathogenesis has improved our ability to image and treat uterine sarcomas, both at initial staging and on follow-up. Targeted therapy is assuming an increasingly important role in the management of these lesions. It is imperative for radiologists to be aware of response characteristics and potential complications of these agents as well as conventional chemotherapeutic agents.

Clinical Characteristics, Surgical Management and Adjuvant Therapy of Patients with Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: 27 Years of Experience

Purpose: To review a single-center experience over a 27-year period in the management of uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) for insight into surgical practice, adjuvant therapy and clinical outcome. Material and Methods: This was a retrospective study of women with histologically proven uterine LMS who were treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tuebingen, Germany, between 1983 and 2010. Inpatient and ambulatory records were reviewed; follow-up and survival data were ascertained. Results: The study sample comprised 32 patients with uterine LMS. Primary surgical treatment consisted of total abdominal hysterectomy in 28 patients (88 %) and laparoscopic total hysterectomy in 4 patients (12 %). Lymph nodes were dissected and evaluated in 17 women (53 %); positive lymph nodes were present in 1 patient (6 %). A total of 17 patients (53 %) received adjuvant therapy. Median follow-up for disease-free survival (DFS) was 35.6 months and median DFS was 27.0 months for all patients. The median follow-up for overall survival (OS) was 51.3 months and the median OS was 28.0 months for our study group. The 5-year survival rate was 30 %. There was no significant difference in DFS (p = 0.76) and OS (p = 0.51) between patients who received adjuvant therapy and those who did not. Conclusion: Uterine LMS are rare and aggressive uterine neoplasms with high recurrence rates and metastatic potential. Surgery consisting of total hysterectomy with or without bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is the most important treatment-element in patients with uterine LMS. Lymphadenectomy should be reserved for patients with clinically suspicious nodes.

Prognostic factors and outcomes in 28 cases of uterine leiomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVES

It was the aim of this study to evaluate clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS).

METHODS

Twenty-eight patients with uterine LMS were evaluated in this retrospective study. Their features and survival were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests.

RESULTS

The median age of the patients was 52 years (range 25-74). Nine patients had a disease with a mitotic count <10/10 high-power fields. Twenty-one patients presented with stage I disease, 1 with stage II and 6 with stage IV. Twelve patients underwent total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, 2 simple hysterectomy, 5 myomectomy and 9 more comprehensive surgical treatments. Adjuvant chemotherapy was administered to 16 patients, whereas chemoradiation was given only to 2 patients. Fifty percent presented with recurrence of the disease. The median overall survival was 46 months. Age, mitotic count, type of surgery, adjuvant therapy, recurrence and clinical response to chemotherapy were not found to affect survival, while the menopausal status and FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) stage were found to be prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

In our series, the menopausal state and FIGO stage were found to be prognostic factors related to survival.

The impact of tumor morcellation during surgery on the prognosis of patients with apparently early uterine leiomyosarcoma

OBJECTIVE

Uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is usually diagnosed after surgery for leiomyoma; thus tumor morcellation frequently occurs. We evaluated the impact of tumor morcellation during surgery on the prognosis of patients with apparently early uterine LMS.

METHODS

Outcomes were retrospectively compared between patients who underwent total abdominal hysterectomy without tumor morcellation and those who underwent surgery that included abdominal, vaginal or laparoscopic tumor morcellation.

RESULTS

We assessed 56 consecutive patients with stage I and II uterine LMS between 1989 and 2010, 25 with and 31 without tumor morcellation. There were no significant between group differences in age, parity, menopausal status, body mass index, stage, mitotic count, tumor grade, lymph node dissection, adjuvant therapy, and follow-up duration. However, tumor size was significantly smaller (9.8 cm vs. 7.3 cm, P=0.022) and ovarian tissue was more frequently preserved (38.7% vs. 72%, P=0.013) in patients with tumor morcellation. In univariate analysis, only tumor morcellation was significantly associated with poorer disease-free survival (DFS) (odds ratio [OR], 2.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03-6.50; P=0.043), and higher stage (I vs. II; (OR, 19.12; 95% CI, 1.19-307.11; P=0.037)) and tumor morcellation (OR, 3.07; 95% CI, 1.05-8.93; P=0.040) were significantly associated with poorer overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, higher stage (OR, 20.34; 95% CI, 1.27-325.58; P=0.033) and tumor morcellation (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.07-9.06; P=0.038) were significantly associated with poorer OS. The percentage of patients with abdomino-pelvic dissemination, as shown by peritoneal sarcomatosis or vaginal apex recurrence, was significantly greater in patients with than without tumor morcellation (44% vs. 12.9%, P=0.032).

CONCLUSION

Tumor morcellation during surgery increased the rate of abdomino-pelvic dissemination and adversely affected DFS and OS in patients with apparently early uterine LMS.

Co-existence of three rare gynecological tumors in a 79-year-old woman

The occurrence of two primary tumors simultaneously is relatively common. However, the occurrence of three kinds of gynecological tumors simultaneously is extremely rare. Here we presented a 79-year-old woman who had simultaneously three primary gynecological tumors which were relatively uncommon. Those tumors were myxoid leiomyosarcoma and endometrial mucinous adenocarcinoma in the uterus and a Leydig cell tumor in the right ovary. Uterine myxoid leiomyosarcoma is a very rare and aggressive variant of uterine sarcoma despite of its minimal even no atypia and a little mitotic activity. Mucinous endometrial adenocarcinoma is also a rare subtype which comprise only 0.6-5% of uterine cancers. Leydig cell tumor is a very rare ovarian tumor which is composed entirely or predominantly of Leydig cell.