Malignant mixed mesodermal tumors of the ovary. A report of 13 cases

The surgical pathology files at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (TJUH) were reviewed for the period 1973-1984. Thirteen cases of primary ovarian malignant mixed mesodermal tumor (MMT) were found; however, material from only seven of these cases could be obtained for repeat review. No conclusions can be drawn regarding any impact on survival based on the histology. Treatment was highly varied reflecting the mix of physicians rendering treatment and the range of modalities used. Overall, survival was miserable. Six of the 13 patients (46.2%) survived 6 months or less, 10 of the 13 (76.9%) survived 12 months or less. No particular treatment modality seemed to offer enhanced survival unless aggressive cytoreductive surgery was performed. A plea is made for national cooperative groups to develop treatment protocols for this aggressive ovarian cancer.