Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

Obtaining Cancer Stem Cell Spheres from Gynecological and Breast Cancer Tumors
Published on: March 1, 2020
Perivascular epitheliod cell tumors: Study of three gynecological cases
Inmaculada Nicolás1, Pere Fusté2, Adela Saco3
1Institute Clinic of Gynecology, Obstetrics, and Neonatology, Hospital Clínic - Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Salut Global de Barcelona (ISGlobal), Barcelona, Spain.
Antecedents:
Perivascular epitheliod cell tumor (PEComa) is a rare mesenchymal tumor. They are rare in the field of gynecology, which makes them difficult to consider as a possible diagnostic. We aim to contribute with our experience to ease clinical practice to others gynecologists.
Patients And Methods:
We contribute to literature with three gynecological cases; uterine, vaginal and retroperitoneal PEComas.
Results:
The uterine and vaginal PEComa, have required surgical treatment, and are free of disease at 9 and 5 months respectively. The retroperitoneal PEComa has recurred at 72 months of follow-up in form of retroperitoneal mass and pulmonary lymphangioleomyomatosis, continues treatment with sirolimus with good tolerance and partial response.
Discussion:
Given the scarcity of cases, the literature consists of case reports and mini-reviews. Some authors have categorized the PEComas based on prognostic factors, but there is no agreement regarding the follow-up and treatment. 18F-FDG-PET/CT can help characterize these lesions. The surgery is the standard. In recurrent or malignant cases, there is a lack of evidence regarding chemotherapy and radiotherapy. New therapies with inhibitory m-TOR open a hopeful therapeutic window.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Stem Cells and Tumor Maintenance
Cancer stem cells are thought to originate from tissue-specific normal stem cells or progenitor cells. The normal stem cells usually reside in...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Tumor Progression
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
The Tumor Microenvironment
Case Studies
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...

