Treatment of patients with sarcoma of the uterus

In the present series of 156 patients with sarcomas of the uterus the therapeutic modalities employed were evaluated. The 5-year survival rate of 51.3% was obtained for this series including 41.2% for leiomyosarcomas, 57.1% for endometrial stromal sarcomas, 50.0% for mixed mesodermal tumors and 40.0% for carcinosarcomas. The prognostic significance of the extent of disease, histological type and the age of patients is emphasised. Clinical features of uterine sarcomas specific for different histological types were shown: leiomyosarcomas were characterized by a rapid tumor growth while uterine bleeding in the background of neuroendocrine disturbances similar to those observed in endometrial carcinomas were related to endometrial stromal sarcomas and mixed mesodermal tumors. In respect to early diagnosis of sarcomas an ultrasonic pelvic examination and studies of aspirate specimens taken from the uterine cavity are recommended to be performed for the groups at high risk. An individual treatment policy was developed for each sarcoma patient depending on the histological type, the stage of disease and general condition of the patient. Surgical approach varied ranging from a total hysterectomy and adnexectomy, done for leiomyosarcomas, to an extended hysterectomy and pelvic lymphadenectomy for mixed mesodermal tumors and endometrial stromal sarcomas. Postoperative distant and/or endovaginal radiation are indicated for all histological types of sarcomas excepting leiomyosarcomas. Application of adjuvant chemotherapy with carminomycin or adriamycin improves the results of treatment.