Treatment options for leiomyosarcoma

Abstract

Introduction: The term “soft-tissue sarcomas” embraces more than 50 different subtypes that are often associated with a poor prognosis. Among them, leiomyosarcomas are one of the most frequently occurring subtypes. In spite of the relatively high incidence of leiomyosarcoma, the overall effectiveness of the currently available systemic treatments is still poor. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find successful therapeutic strategies in order to improve the survival of these patients.

Areas covered: This article extensively reviews the most relevant therapeutic options in leiomyosarcoma. From the adjuvant to the advanced setting, it discusses all the relevant studies with classic cytotoxic drugs, new targeted therapies, hormone treatment and combined strategies. Moreover, new clinical trials that are currently ongoing and may determine future treatment guidelines for this malignancy are also highlighted.

Expert opinion: The heterogeneity of its biological origin, clinical behaviour and responsiveness to chemotherapy, together with the scarcity of successful clinical trials, makes the treatment of leiomyosarcoma especially challenging. As a result, every therapeutic decision should be made on an individual basis in collaboration with the patient. The results of new specifically histology-designed clinical trials should aid decision making in this complex field.

Keywords::

• adjuvant
• advanced
• chemotherapy
• clinical trial
• combined treatment
• hormone treatment
• leiomyosarcoma
• sarcoma
• targeted therapies

Notes

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