Uterine Leiomyosarcoma

In cultured LMS cells, proliferation correlated with increased nuclear smoothelin positivity. These findings suggest that smoothelin is linked to proliferative capacity in SMTs, and its altered subcellular distribution may have potential utility in the pathological evaluation of SMTs.

Finally, autophagy-related analyses demonstrated increased LC3B-II levels accompanied by p62 accumulation, suggesting altered autophagic processing rather than simple activation of autophagy. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that bortezomib exerts cytotoxic effects in Ut-LMS cells through coordinated regulation of proteasome inhibition-associated apoptosis, cell cycle control, mitochondrial dysfunction, and autophagy-related signaling, with cell line-specific differences in stress response pathways.

Liquid biopsy holds promise for improving uLMS diagnosis and management. However, standardization and biomarker validation remain essential to achieve reliable clinical translation and enable earlier, more precise treatment strategies.

P2, N=30, Not yet recruiting, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

This case emphasizes including GIST in the differential diagnosis of large pelvic masses, even when imaging suggests a gynecologic origin. Definitive diagnosis relies on a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate classification and appropriate oncologic therapy.

P2, N=48, Recruiting, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center | Not yet recruiting --> Recruiting

Mgenes modulate ULMS's TIME, offering immunotherapeutic targets. This study advances ULMS molecular/immune understanding for translational research.

P2/3, N=73, Active, not recruiting, National Cancer Institute (NCI) | N=190 --> 73 | Trial completion date: Mar 2030 --> Jan 2027

The strong and diffuse staining pattern of desmin and SMA can be very helpful in distinguishing leiomyosarcoma from its spindle cell mimics. A novel finding is that SMA positivity was identified in malignant endothelium. Immunolabelling for CD34 and KIT provides reliable markers for vascular neoplasms and GISTs. Vimentin does not allow to distinguish between different mesenchymal malignancies in guinea pigs. Occasional positivity for keratins and S100 points to potential pitfalls and emphasised the need for a panel of immunohistochemical stains in the investigation of mesenchymal tumours.

Although PARP inhibitors have been utilized in BRCA-mutated ULMS, this case underscores the potential efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy as an alternative treatment strategy. Furthermore, a therapeutic approach integrating platinum-based chemotherapy followed by PARP inhibitor maintenance, similar to that employed in platinum-sensitive ovarian cancer, warrants further investigation.

Secondary morphological changes in uterine leiomyosarcomas associated with hormone therapy pose significant diagnostic challenges. Next generation sequencing can provide valuable evidence for the diagnosis of morphologically challenging cases of leiomyosarcoma in clinical practice.

P2, N=72, Active, not recruiting, City of Hope Medical Center | Trial completion date: Oct 2025 --> Sep 2026 | Trial primary completion date: Oct 2025 --> Sep 2026