Dr. Schlumbrecht on the Challenges of Diagnosing Uterine Leiomyosarcoma

Matthew P. Schlumbrecht, MD, associate professor and co-director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, discusses ongoing challenges in diagnosing uterine leiomyosarcoma.

Not uncommonly, uterine leiomyosarcoma can be mistaken as a benign gynecologic condition such as fibroids, says Schlumbrecht. In many cases, women are diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma after having undergone a hysterectomy for presumed fibroids, says Schlumbrecht.

For women who are diagnosed with uterine leiomyosarcoma, data suggest that ovarian preservation may be more beneficial than performing an oophorectomy, explains Schlumbrecht.

Little progress has been made in this space, says Schlumbrecht. Understanding how the molecular landscape changes over the disease course, as well as identifying potential therapeutic targets and predictive biomarkers may spark advancement in this field.