Recent advances in the treatment of sarcomas in gynecology

Abstract

Uterine sarcomas are a heterologous group of rare malignancies accounting for 8-10% of all uterine malignancies, but are significantly more aggressive and have worse prognoses. Management of uterine sarcomas including leiomyosarcoma and endometrial stromal sarcoma are reviewed here, with additional discussions regarding high-grade undifferentiated sarcoma and adenosarcoma. Uterine carcinosarcomas are currently staged and treated similar to high-grade epithelial endometrial carcinomas, thus will not be discussed in this review. Gemcitabine/docetaxel with adriamycin holds promise for the treatment of leiomyosarcoma, but currently, limited advancements have been made in discovering targeted therapies to these tumors. Continued translational research in both medical oncology and gynecologic oncology is necessary to forward the development of novel and targeted therapeutic agents in the treatment of sarcoma. Enrollment of these patients in clinical trials is encouraged, and will allow for the development of safer and more effective therapies.