Chemotherapeutic management of recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed mullerian tumors): time for a re-appraisal?

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Optimal chemotherapeutic management of recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas remains undefined. Despite this fact, the selection of a cytotoxic anti-neoplastic drug regimen for an individual patient with this rare malignancy may substantially impact both short-term symptomatic improvement and overall quality-of-life, which includes the toxicity of therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Two women with metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas recently treated at the Cleveland Clinic received therapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel) directly aimed at the "adenocarcinoma" component of their mixed endometrial cancers.

RESULTS:

Both patients achieved substantial short-term objective and subjective improvement in cancer-related signs and symptoms, while experiencing limited treatment-associated toxicities.

CONCLUSION:

This limited experience, and additional available data, suggest it is rational to initially treat patients with recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas with anti-neoplastic drug strategies currently employed in the management of endometrial adenocarcinomas.

• Authors: Maurie Markman
• Journal: Journal of cancer research and clinical oncology (J Cancer Res Clin Oncol) Vol. 130 Issue 11 Pg. 645-8 (Nov 2004) ISSN: 0171-5216 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 15300428 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Carboplatin
• Paclitaxel

Topics

• Aged
• Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols (therapeutic use)
• Carboplatin (administration & dosage)
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Mixed Tumor, Mullerian (drug therapy, pathology)
• Neoplasm Metastasis
• Neoplasm Recurrence, Local (drug therapy)
• Paclitaxel (administration & dosage)
• Patient Selection
• Quality of Life
• Treatment Outcome
• Uterine Neoplasms (drug therapy, pathology)