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Chemotherapeutic management of recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed mullerian tumors): time for a re-appraisal?

Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology volume 130, pages 645–648 (2004)Cite this article

Abstract

Purpose

Optimal chemotherapeutic management of recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas remains undefined. Despite this fact, the selection of a cytotoxic anti-neoplastic drug regimen for an individual patient with this rare malignancy may substantially impact both short-term symptomatic improvement and overall quality-of-life, which includes the toxicity of therapy.

Patients and methods

Two women with metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas recently treated at the Cleveland Clinic received therapy (carboplatin/paclitaxel) directly aimed at the “adenocarcinoma” component of their mixed endometrial cancers.

Results

Both patients achieved substantial short-term objective and subjective improvement in cancer-related signs and symptoms, while experiencing limited treatment-associated toxicities.

Conclusion

This limited experience, and additional available data, suggest it is rational to initially treat patients with recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas with anti-neoplastic drug strategies currently employed in the management of endometrial adenocarcinomas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, (Mail Box # 121), Houston, Texas, 77030, USA

    Maurie Markman

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  1. Maurie Markman
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Correspondence to Maurie Markman.

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Markman, M. Chemotherapeutic management of recurrent/metastatic uterine carcinosarcomas (malignant mixed mullerian tumors): time for a re-appraisal?. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 130, 645–648 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-004-0597-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00432-004-0597-0

Keywords

  • Uterine carcinosarcoma
  • Carboplatin
  • Paclitaxel