Uterine sarcomas are relatively rare tumors, constituting only 8%-10% of all
uterine malignancies. Its three most common histologic variants are carcinosarcoma
(CS), leiomyosarcoma (LMS), and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Because of its
frequent resistance to existing chemotherapeutic drugs (caused by several
mechanisms), standard chemotherapeutic regimens have not yet been established.
Presently, CSs are treated in the same way as high-grade endometrioid endometrial
carcinomas. A combination of carboplatin and paclitaxel is the most commonly used
adjuvant therapy regimen in advanced or recurrent CS. For LMS, the key drugs are
doxorubicin, ifosfamide, gemcitabine, and docetaxel. These drugs are used as single
agents or in combination for the treatment of patients with advanced or recurrent LMS.
For ESS treatment, hormonal agents have been used because ESS expresses estrogen
and progesterone receptors. Because of its rarity, well-designed random controlled
trials are required for future investigations of the efficacy of chemotherapy for patients
with uterine sarcoma.
Keywords: Carcinosarcoma, Chemotherapy, Endometrial stromal sarcoma,
Leiomyosarcoma, Uterine sarcoma.
