| Abstract: |
Carcinosarcomas (also known as malignant mixed Müllerian tumors) of the gynecologic tract are rare, highly aggressive malignancies. Ovarian carcinosarcomas account for only 1%–4% of all ovarian tumors and are composed of both malignant epithelial and sarcomatous elements. Molecular studies suggest that carcinosarcomas are predominantly monoclonal in that they arise from the carcinoma component through an epithelial–mesenchymal transition (i.e., clonal evolution). Due to the aggressive nature of carcinosarcoma, the survival of women with this disease is worse than the survival of those with other histologic subtypes such as endometrioid and high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Given the rarity of this tumor, information regarding the clinical management and outcomes is limited, and data from studies involving epithelial ovarian cancer are extrapolated in order to help guide treatment. Research should be encouraged to study this rare, yet highly aggressive disease and clinical trials should be broadly opened to include ovarian carcinosarcoma patients. © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. |
