Prognostic factors and survival outcomes of uterine sarcomas in a reference gynecologic oncology cancer center

Abstract

Background/Aim: Uterine sarcomas are rare and aggressive tumors, and their clinical behavior is unpredictable. A clear-cut clinical course, proven treatment method or definitive prognostic factors affecting the survival of sarcoma patients are not reported in the literature. We aim to evaluate uterine sarcomas, determine clinicopathologic features, adjuvant therapies, and prognostic factors on survival while sharing our experience of these rare uterine tumors in light of the literature. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey between 2002-2020. Out of the total of 205 uterine sarcoma patients, 173 patients who underwent surgical procedures and were followed up in our hospital’s Gynecologic Oncology Clinic were included in the study. Data of patients were collected from the hospital database. Surgical interventions, clinicopathologic features, adjuvant therapies, and overall and disease-free survivals were evaluated. Patients were grouped as leiomyosarcoma (LMS), carcinosarcoma (CS), endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS), adenosarcoma (AS), and undifferentiated sarcoma (US). Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.6 (11.2) years. According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO2009), 115 patients (66.5%) had stage 1, 17 patients (9.8%) had stage 2, 31 (17.9%) patients had stage 3, and 10 patients (5.8%) had stage 4 disease. One hundred and sixty-two patients (93.6%) received adjuvant therapy. Median follow-up period was 39 months (range 3-214). The 120-month OS for the entire group was 87.1%. Conclusion: Stage is a significant prognostic factor for survival in all sarcoma types and recurrence is a significant prognostic factor for survival for LMS and CS patients. Sarcoma type and adjuvant treatments have no impact on survival. ESS patients require extended surgical staging.