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Treatment With Antitumor Agents Recommended by Cancer Genome Panel for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Takuma Hayashi1,2, Naoya Kishimoto3, Kaoru Abiko3
1Cancer Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto 612-8555, Japan.
Abstract:
To date, cancer genomic medicine, using cancer gene panel covered by health insurance from June 2019, has been performed for advanced malignant tumors under public medical insurance. In gynecology, the first-line treatment for uterine leiomyosarcomas, which is a mesenchymal uterine tumor, is surgery. In uterine leiomyosarcoma cases, recurrence is observed within 2 years postoperatively; however, to date, clinical trials have not shown efficacy with existing antitumor agents. We noted efficacy in two cases with advanced/recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma using an antitumor agent selected on the basis of cancer gene panel testing results. Following uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosis, they underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy as standard surgical treatment. After the surgical treatment, the imaging test revealed recurrent tumors; subsequently, they were treated with doxorubicin alone or doxorubicin combined with Gemzar. However, cancer genome gene panel test was performed because the malignant tumor worsened. Based on the cancer genome gene panel test results, the two cases with advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma were associated with increased tumor mutational burden (TMB) or pathogenic variants (PVs) of AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1). Therefore, treatment with pembrolizumab, which is a drug covered by insurance for patients with TMB-high, or treatment with kinase inhibitors for patients with PVs in AKT, was considered. Cancer genomic medicine using cancer gene panel provides a new treatment strategy for intractable malignant tumors. This study aimed to discuss the usefulness of cancer genomic medicine by cancer gene panel testing using the cases of advanced and recurrence uterine leiomyosarcoma and the latest findings.
Insights
Cancer genomic medicine, utilizing gene panel testing, offers new treatment strategies for advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma. This approach identified specific genetic markers, enabling targeted therapies for improved patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Gynecologic Oncology
Background:
- Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare mesenchymal tumor treated primarily with surgery.
- Recurrence is common within two years post-surgery, with limited efficacy of current systemic therapies.
- Cancer genomic medicine, using gene panels, is increasingly used for advanced cancers.
Observation:
- Two cases of advanced/recurrent uterine leiomyosarcoma were analyzed.
- Initial treatments included surgery followed by chemotherapy (doxorubicin or doxorubicin/Gemzar).
- Tumor progression prompted cancer gene panel testing.
Findings:
- Genetic analysis revealed high tumor mutational burden (TMB) and/or pathogenic variants (PVs) in AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1).
- These findings supported the use of targeted therapies.
- Pembrolizumab (for TMB-high) or AKT-targeting kinase inhibitors were considered.
Implications:
- Cancer gene panel testing can guide personalized treatment strategies for uterine leiomyosarcoma.
- Genomic medicine offers a promising new avenue for managing intractable gynecologic malignancies.
- This study highlights the utility of gene panel testing in identifying actionable targets for advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma.
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