PEComas: current concepts in diagnosis, molecular pathways, and emerging treatments

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors (PEComas) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms with distinct histopathological, immunophenotypic, and molecular features. Described in the early 1990s, they include angiomyolipoma, lymphangioleiomyomatosis, and clear cell "sugar" tumors, and can arise in various sites, most often the kidney, uterus, lung, and soft tissues. While usually indolent, some exhibit aggressive behavior with invasion, recurrence, and metastasis.

A comprehensive literature review was conducted to summarize the current understanding of PEComa biology, diagnostic approaches, risk stratification systems, and therapeutic strategies. Emphasis was placed on studies defining the molecular landscape, treatment outcomes with mTOR inhibitors, and emerging prognostic tools.

Molecularly, most PEComas harbor loss-of-function mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes, resulting in constitutive mTOR signaling pathway activation, a central driver of tumorigenesis and a key therapeutic target. A distinct subset is defined by TFE3 gene rearrangements, exhibiting unique clinicopathologic features and suggesting an alternative, mTOR-independent oncogenic mechanism. Accurate diagnosis requires integration of morphology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular testing, while risk stratification is guided by established histologic criteria and emerging prognostic models. Surgical resection remains the standard of care for localized disease, whereas mTOR inhibitors constitute the cornerstone of systemic therapy for advanced or unresectable PEComas. Additional approaches, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, locoregional therapies, and chemotherapy, may be considered in selected cases.

This review summarizes PEComa biology, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, emphasizing the need for international collaboration to improve risk stratification and personalized therapies.