Genetic aberrations in soft tissue leiomyosarcoma

Cancer Lett. 2009 Mar 8;275(1):1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.06.013. Epub 2008 Jul 22.

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal tumor composed of cells showing smooth muscle differentiation. This tumor usually occurs in middle-aged or older adults, and forms a significant percentage of retroperitoneal, vascular, extremity, and uterine sarcomas. Leiomyosarcomas are most often associated with complex karyotypes with numerous chromosomal gains and losses. Some of these cytogenetic and molecular genetic aberrations correlate with histopathologic features and clinical outcomes. Identification of genetic alterations with specific identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes may lead to additional insights into the tumorigenesis of leiomyosarcoma and the opportunity to confer the benefits of targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Aberrations*
  • Cytogenetics
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Karyotyping
  • Leiomyosarcoma / genetics*
  • Loss of Heterozygosity
  • Medical Oncology / methods
  • Prognosis
  • Research Design
  • Soft Tissue Neoplasms / genetics*